Communal Crisis:Ebonyi, Cross River Youth Set To Celebrate 5-Years Cease Fire

..Seals Synergy With Police, Traditional Rulers By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi state Police command has sealed partnership with the Ebonyi and Cross River Youth Peace Development Movement,YPDM led by Mr Nwenyi Pascal Esq as they planned their five years anniversary of successful cease fire at the border communities of both states. Addressing the leadership at the State Command Headquarters, Abakaliki, on Wednesday,13th September, 2023 CP Augustina Ogbodo commended the youth for their sacrifices and steadfastness in ensuring peace is permanently returned at the border communities.

Cp Ogbodo appreciated them for coming together to fight a common course devoid of personal interest and described their humanitarian service to the people as the greatest gift any citizen can offer to their communities. "I am happy to see our Youth toeing to the path of peace. I have served in the state before returning back after being promoted to Commissioner of Nigeria Police.

"I witnessed what happened at the border communities then, where we even took some operation in recovering corpses of victims at the border areas. "When we say that security is everybody's business; what you are doing is exactly what we mean and we appreciate your humanitarian service for assisting us in bringing permanent peace at the border communities of Ebonyi and Cross River states. "We are partners in progress and I am here to tell you on behalf of Nigeria Police Force that whatever that will help you to achieve success, we're there to assist you.

Earlier, the national president, Ebonyi and Cross River Youth Peace Development Movement, Barr Pascal Nwenyi Esq. lauded security agencies in the state for their supports since the youth body initiated the peace movement. Nwenyi explained that the essence of the visit was to announce their plan to celebrate five years of cease fire at the border communities in both state and called on the state command not to relent in brokering peace in all parts of the state. The national president however eulogized the state governor,Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his diplomatic move in uniting every parts of Ebonyi state that was ravaged by communal crisis and appealed to Ebonyians to support the new administration as it's only on atmosphere of peace that development and progress thrived. He further appreciated stakeholders support especially the traditional rulers of both states and urged for support as they prepare for five years anniversary. He applauded the traditional ruler of Oroke Onuoha community,His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Oketa for his role and seek his support in bringing the peace group closer to government while drawing stakeholders from both sides as they organized the five years peace celebration. Responding, the traditional ruler of Nkaleke Echara,Eze Oketa commended the youth body for their sacrifices and commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the peace accord. "You people have spent your money, time and even lives to make sure that there's peace there. "I will speak with traditional rulers, and other concern individuals to make sure they are there. "As for those who come from Cross River, have it in mind that we are one. All of you who made sacrifice to have peace " Right from my grand father, we are told that we are one, and you can't tell who will rule the country either from Cross River or Ebonyi state and you go killing each other because of land that we'll all leave behind to another world. He advised members to continue promoting peace while spreading the message to ensure turn out of stakeholders from the border communities. Others who lend their voices are, Mr Lucky Okpeche, the vice president and Hon Chukwuma Ojeogu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power and Energy who appreciated Nigeria Police Force for their support and prayed God's unending grace upon them. The visit was honoured by representatives of all the affected communities of Ikwo, Amachi, Igbeagu, Edda, Okpuitumo, Obubra, Abi and Iyala of Cross River State.