By Jeff Agbodo

GOVERNOR Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on stakeholders to join hands to restore lasting peace to the Effium war-torn communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Nwifuru stated this when Ohaukwu people paid him Christmas homage in his country home, Oferekpe Agbaja in Izzi LGA of the state.

The Governor who described Effium and Ezza people as kit and kins appealed to the warning groups to give peace a chance since the government was ready to resolve the matter without bias.

While speaking on those who were held at the Correctional Centre in connection to the crisis, the Governor said,  “I have heard your request regarding the release of those in detention as a result of the crisis. I have directed the peace committee headed by Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu to profile all inmates in various Correctional  Centres as a result of the Effium crises.

“Unfortunately, in the preliminary findings, it was observed that some inmates who are in the Correctional  facility from the community for some criminal cases are now  claiming  to be detained because of the communal clashes, hence the need for thorough investigation before their release.So, as soon as the investigation is done, they will be released” he assured.

He commended Ohaukwu people for their sustained collaboration and support to deliver good governance.

The leader of the delegation, Senator Anthony Agbo in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Governor for embarking on projects that have impacted positively on the lives of Ohaukwu people and appointments of their sons and daughters into strategic positions.

He appealed to the Governor to consider the release of those who have been held in the Correctional Centre for close to four years as a result of the crisis.