December 29, (THEWILL) – Peace is gradually returning to Ekoli Edda, Afikpo South Local Council of Ebonyi State, after a bloody clash between Ebubeagu security outfit and youths of the community, resulting in the death of three persons including a police officer.
When the community was visited, security agents were seen patrolling the affected area to forestall possible recurrence, while residents, especially women, were seen in groups, discussing the incident, which affected the peace of the community.
An indigene of the community, who identified himself simply as Nkama, said the clash has left the community in a sober mood. He thanked the state government for quick intervention to calm the situation.
Recall that a bloody clash broke out between Ebubeagu security outfit and youths of the community, which resulted in the killing of three persons including a police Inspector, as well as the burning of a house belonging to the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Okoro-Emegha.
Investigations revealed that Okoro-Emegha, on Sunday, kicked against the election of a youth group in the community that saw the emergency of persons loyal to the immediate past chairman of Afikpo South Local Council, Eni Chima, as principal officers.
The APC boss, according to the source, allegedly expressed displeasure over the election and reportedly drew the attention of the new Council area boss, Hon. Chima Ekumankama, who allegedly cancelled the election and called for the group’s disbandment.
Governor David Umahi ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Chief Emegha and the candidate for Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency, Chief Eni Uduma Chima, for their roles in the crisis.
Umahi, who gave the directive during an assessment of the level of damage in the area, directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest all those connected with the carnage and ensure they face justice.
He further announced suspension of all social gatherings in Edda until normalcy returns, urging the Commissioner of Police to beef-up security in the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
Spokesperson for the Command, Chris Anyanwu, in a statement, on Wednesday, said that investigation has commenced in a case of murder, arson and malicious damage to properties belonging to the government and individuals.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
