Ebonyi communal clash: Council Chairman, lawmaker, others re-arrested

The Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Barr. Clement Odah, and the State House of Assembly member, Representing Ohaukwu North Constituency, Hon Chinedu Awo, have been re-arrested over renewed hostilities between the people of Effium and Ezza Effium communities in Ebonyi State.

Others to be re-arrested include the spokesperson of Effium community, Dr. James Agina and the spokespersons of the Ezza Effium community, Mr. Titus Nworie.

Their arrests were as directed by the state Governor, Engineer David Umahi.

The directive was handed down to the Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Garba, during a stakeholders meeting between the people of Effium and Ezza Effium communities at the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki.

The State Governor also announced the suspension of all political appointees from Ezza Effium clan who were not present during the Stakeholders meeting.

Governor Umahi who expressed concern over a WhatsApp page created by the Member Representing Ezza South State Constituency, Hon Chris Uzulor stated that the WhatsApp page was purportedly created to ask for relief in support of the victims and directed the Lawmaker to shutdown the WhatsApp page.

Similarly, Governor Umahi ordered the arrest of some stakeholders of Abaomege and Isinkwo community over renewed hostilities between the 2 communities.

Umahi had before the arrest of the stakeholders asked the leaders of the 2 communities to list 7 persons from each of the communities that are responsible for the sponsorship of the crisis.

It was gathered that of the 14 persons shortlisted, 8 were present who were subsequently arrested by the police.

He directed the Police Commissioner not to release any of the Stakeholders arrested until the people stop shooting and demarcation of the disputed area carried out.

He also called on the police to ensure that those who were not present must be fished out and detained adding that if they were not fished out within 2 days from today, they must be declared wanted.