In a decisive move to restore peace and unity, the Executive Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi State Chapter, Prince Chinedu Augustine Uburu, has intervened in the lingering communal crisis in Izenyi-Ogbala Ishieke community.
The area had been embroiled in unrest following allegations that one Mr. Sunday Nwuzor purchased a stolen cow from a group of young men from neighboring Ephenyim village. The suspects, apprehended for a separate theft involving cassava processing equipment, implicated Mr. Nwuzor as a regular buyer of stolen items. Mr. Nwuzor, however, denied the allegations, claiming he refused to purchase the cow upon suspecting it was stolen.
Despite the matter being handed over to the police and both Mr. Nwuzor and another alleged buyer being granted bail, tensions escalated when a faction of the village re-arrested and publicly humiliated Mr. Nwuzor. This act deepened the divide within the community, leading to further factionalism and displacement of villagers due to safety concerns.
Reacting to the unrest, Uburu reached out to Barrister Aloysius Nwodo, the Member representing Ebonyi North West Constituency and a native of the community, to mediate the conflict. However, the situation worsened with growing discontent over the leadership of the village head, who was accused of high-handedness, favoritism, and overstaying his tenure.
In a peace mission to the community, Uburu condemned the jungle justice meted out on Mr. Nwuzor and cautioned villagers against taking the law into their hands, especially in a matter already before a court of competent jurisdiction. He also warned against further factionalism, urging the people to embrace unity in line with the peace agenda of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Following consultations with community stakeholders, including the state lawmaker Aloysius Nwodo, the council chairman dissolved the two rival leadership structures and inaugurated a new eight-member interim committee—four representatives from each faction, excluding past leaders. The committee was tasked with drafting village by-laws and overseeing governance for three months pending fresh elections.
The resolution was welcomed with joy, as residents celebrated the return of peace and reconciliation among formerly estranged groups.
Uburu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that peace remains paramount for development in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
