By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI—NO fewer than nine persons were, weekend, reportedly killed in the renewed restiveness between the communities of Ogurude and Azuofida-Edda in Cross River and Ebonyi states, respectively.

Following the development, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has called on the Army and other security agencies to sustain their presence in all the affected communities for the sustainability of peace and order in the area.

The governor made the call while receiving security briefs from the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Abubakar. at the Government House, Abakaliki.

Governor Umahi commended the GOC for the prompt intervention in the renewed crisis which brought the situation under control.

He noted that political will was needed from both states and Federal Government to permanently address the intractable boundary dispute which had rocked the state for years.

He advocated  the establishment of a police post in Azuofida and Ogurude to stem the tide of incessant outbreak of communal crisis.

He saluted the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for his quick response to his appeal and promised to personally visit the location this week to identify areas where government can show its presence to discourage youth restiveness.

He called on the GOC to also visit Ikwo/Adadama crisis axis and Yala/ Igbeagu axis where similar clashes existed to evaluate the security situation therein.

Briefing the governor, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Adamu Abubakar, explained that he led the team from the division to the troubled communities and held a meeting with traditional rulers and the youths.

He noted that the situation had been brought under control and assured that the perpetrators of the violence would be fished out and dealt with according to the law.