Ebonyi/ Cross River crisis : 51 warriors surrender arms, embrace amnesty, empowerment from govt
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Ebonyi state governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has described the voluntary surrender of 8 mortar bombs, 29 AK- 47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns by warriors as a powerful act of faith in the possibility of a better future of the state.
He said that the disarmament programme initiated by the Nigerian Army in partnership with the state government, was a demonstration of the willingness of the Ekoli Edda vigilante members to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The governor made this disclosure on the ocassion of granting amnesty and empowerment to 51 affected persons in the Ekoli Edda crisis held at the 134 battalion of the Nigerian army, Ezillo barracks, Ebonyi state.
Nwifuru lamented that the affected communities—Ekoli Edda, Egbor, and Urugbam—have suffered greatly, while families have lost loved ones, livelihoods have been disrupted, and the social fabric that once bound these communities has been strained.
He traced the roots of the crisis to the Eastern Region Estate Investment (EREI) Farm Settlement, a project he said was meant to be a symbol of unity and prosperity. established by the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara .
The governor blamed inconsistencies in agricultural policies, mismanagement, and the fragmentation of the settlement across Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross River States sowed seeds of discord for he escalation of the conflict when the Egbor people of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River allegedly leased the NIFOR plantation, which largely belongs to the Ekoli Edda community .
“We are here to grant amnesty to 51 of our brothers—our sons, fathers, and uncles—who were caught in the web of a conflict that has caused pain, loss, and division among our people. But this is
This amnesty is not just a pardon; it is a promise—a promise of a new beginning, a second chance, and a brighter future.
“The disarmament programme initiated by the Nigerian Army, in partnership with our government, was a turning point. It demonstrated the willingness of the Ekoli Edda vigilante members to lay down their arms and embrace peace. The voluntary surrender of 8 mortar bombs, 29 AK- 47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns was a powerful act of faith in the possibility of a better future.
“The 2 Million Naira you are receiving today is not just money; it is a seed. Plant it wisely, nurture it, and watch it grow into something that will not only transform your lives but also uplift your families and communities.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the Nigerian Army, the National Boundary Commission, the Edda Local Government Council, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they will not be forgotten.
“To the 51 beneficiaries of this amnesty and empowerment programme, I say: today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds.
