The Ezza Ezekuna Benue Development Association has expressed deep concern over what it described as incessant and coordinated attacks on border communities in Benue State.
In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, the group, led by its President General, Dr. Perpetual Nkechi Okafor, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Chinedu Nweke, alleged that Effium people of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were behind renewed cases of violence, looting, and killings in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Reiterating their commitment to peace and lawfulness, the association lamented that their non-violent disposition is being mistaken for weakness. They urged the Ebonyi State government to intervene by calling Effium stakeholders to order in order to avert a fresh breakdown of law and order.
While commending Governor Nwifuru’s earlier efforts in quelling the four-year-long Effium crisis, the group accused elements within the Effium community of deliberately attempting to reignite tensions. They cited recent attacks including the abduction of an Ezza indigene, Ikechukwu Nwokporo, on August 9 at Inikiri Ichari market, the destruction of properties in Osukputu village on August 12, an assault on a community member in Ogebe on August 20, and a fresh offensive on Ogebe Ezza community in Agila Ward on September 14.
“These structures of violence are not isolated,” the group wrote, “but part of a calculated effort to undermine the fragile peace process between Ebonyi and Benue States.”
They therefore called on both state governments to act decisively, stressing that the safety of lives and properties in the affected areas must remain a top priority.
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