ABAKALIKI- Poised to end the lingering crisis between Ezza and Ezillo communities in Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi state, the state government has ordered a manhunt for some youths alleged to be behind the crisis.
Consequently, the government has directed the state police command and other security agencies in the state to clamp down and bring the perpetrators to face justice.
The state governor Chief Martin Elechi disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, yesterday.
Governor Elechi stated that some armed miscreants amongst whom is one Chibuike now in police custody while others are at large, had in disobedience to the state government order to cease fire, continued to unleash violence on innocent settlers of the embattled ethnic communities.
The governor however mentioned one Julius Ocha (Ezillo youths chairman), Egbe Ogobechi Prosper, Kingsley Nnadi, and Ani Chukudi as other fleeing members of the armed gang who have been identified and on police list of wanted persons in the state.
“Since May 10, 2008 when the Ezillo/Ezza communal unrest started we as government have done everything possible to address the conflict.
“Ezillos being the original host of the Ezzas have been told to maintain peace but intelligence reveals otherwise.
“Don’t forget its social-economic value to the state. Ezillo Community is strategic in Ebonyi….it hosts the Ezillo Regional Water Scheme and Farm Settlement.
“The government of Ebonyi State under my watch will not fold its hands and allow these individuals go scot-free after killing and maiming innocent settlers and indigenes of the state”. The governor stated.
Chief Elechi however solicited for information that would assist in the arrest of the identified youths.
He further explained that as the manhunt continued, security operatives have been deployed to maintain peace in Amofia, Amaleze, Umuezeoke, Abakaliki-Imo expressway and other adjourning villages.
