The Executive Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, has vowed to work with security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and militant camps behind renewed communal violence in parts of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Ajah condemned the cycle of killings, abductions, arson, and reprisal attacks involving warring communities in Ezza-Ekembe, Ihe and some parts of the council area; warning that innocent residents are bearing the brunt of the clashes.
“Nobody has the right to take a life. You cannot create a human being, so there is no reason to kill one because of land. Once you take the law into your hands, the law will hold you whether you are right or wrong,” the council boss declared.
Ajah traced the escalation to the activities of armed groups suspected to have links with IPOB, who he alleged were brought into the area under the guise of protecting communities from Fulani herders.
He recounted multiple incidents including the killing of a white expatriate, two police officers, and several locals which have deepened tensions and triggered retaliatory attacks.
The chairman disclosed that security operatives have already identified militant hideouts in the Ezza-Ekembe axis and are making arrangements to dislodge them, adding that committees have been set up to mediate landlord–tenant disputes that have been exploited to fuel the violence.
Despite efforts to broker peace, Ajah lamented fresh attacks on farms and homes, as well as the abduction and killing of a couple from Ishiagu Extension.
“The people committing these crimes often escape, leaving innocent persons to suffer. I am appealing to both sides to stop the killings. We must give peace a chance,” he urged.
Ajah said a high-level security meeting has been scheduled to determine the fate of missing victims, recover corpses, and forge a sustainable peace plan for the troubled communities.
