Following the intervention of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, parties involved in the renewed violence in Ohaji, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, have accepted to end every form of hostility.
Walter Duru, Irona’s spokesman, in a statement on Monday, said this was outcome of a 2-day meeting held at the Deputy Governor’s ancestral home, Oguta.
It said Irona frowned at the renewed violence in the area, in spite of subsisting amnesty from the State Government.
He reiterated that the current administration may not hesitate to cancel the amnesty programme, if hostilities and cult-related violence continue.
His words: “I invited you to discuss the security challenge in your area. I want to know what really the problem is. Why are you people making trouble again, after receiving amnesty?
“The government decided to give you benefit of the doubt. We are not interested in witch hunting anyone. No government will fold its arms and allow her citizens terrorized, harassed and killed under whatever guise.
“Whatever the issue is, we shall not patronize criminals. The hostility must end immediately and unconditionally.”
Reacting to the development, Chairman, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC, Barr. Magnus Obido expressed gratitude to the state Government for its swift intervention.
He described the latest violence in the area as unfortunate, warning that only peace and civilized behavior can guarantee meaningful development of the area.
Part of the resolutions is that the militants will go back home and preach the gospel of reconciliation while taking steps to ensure the return of community members that fled as a result of the renewed violence.
The meeting was attended by member representing Ohaji/Egbema state constituency in Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Heclus Okoro, Chairman, Transition Committee, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, ex-agitators, youth leaders, among others.
