LG boss broker peace between feuding communities

AGENEBODE – The Chairman Etsako East Local Government Transition Committee, Engr. Peter Ojor Anyia, yesterday brokered peace between Imiegba and Okpekpe communities.

The two neighbouring communities who were engaged in a clash over a disputed piece of land at Odokiode farm settlement were summoned by the Council boss.

Engr. Anyia stated that both communities should make personal sacrifice as a way of bringing speedy development to the area, noting that this is the option acceptable to government.

While advising the people not to take laws into their hands, he warned that nobody should lay claim to the disputed land until appropriate government agencies demarcate the boundaries between the two communities.

The Council Chairman said that the Local Government will pay royalties to the two communities to enable the construction firm, Setraco Nig. Plc to continue work on Okpekpe Road, adding that those who lost their property or injured in the communal clash will receive government attention.

He called on the Royal fathers and the youth leaders of the communities to ensure lasting peace and unity in the area.

The Onmueweko of Okpekpe clan, HRH P.A. Osigbemhe and the Ogiagah of Three Ibie, HRH J.B. Momoh, expressed satisfaction with the peace settlement and promised to ensure that their communities will not go on any aggression from now.

They however, called for continued police patrol along the area for sometime.

The youth leader of Okpekpe community, Mr. Cistus and his Imiegba counterpart, Mr. Attahiru Omokhabi who embraced each other in the spirit of brotherhood promised to control the youth and pass government decision to them.

The Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), Mrs. Benedicta Attoh said that the Governor asked the people to seek peace immediately.

While thanking the Etsako East Local Government Chairman for the peace deal, she expressed satisfaction with the settlement, noting that she will take the message back to the Comrade Governor.

According to her, “I am happy because we have demonstrated that we have the capacity to resolve our difference”.

Present at the meeting was the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Joseph Okpoloa, representative of the Commandant of the 195 Battalion, Captain Onyeasor, men of the State Security Service and traditional rulers.