Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has distributed relief materials to victims of the communal crisis in Okporojo Village, Oso-Edda community in Edda Local Government Area, with the affected community renewing calls for a clear boundary demarcation with the neighbouring Amasiri community.
Flagging off the distribution at the Old Government House, Abakaliki on Thursday, Gov. Nwifuru said the intervention was aimed at cushioning the effects of the devastating communal clash that reportedly claimed four lives and left several residents homeless in Okporojo.
The governor, represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Ije-Odunwa, noted that the gesture should not be seen as favoritism towards Okporojo people, stressing that the administration values every Ebonyi citizen equally.
He urged residents of the affected communities to avoid further provocation and embrace peace, assuring that the government is committed to restoring normalcy in the area.
“No amount of bloodshed is worth a piece of land,” he said, while reaffirming government’s resolve to ensure lasting peace between the communities.
The state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, whose ministry coordinated the disbursement of funds and relief materials, disclosed that the intervention targeted 57 displaced persons affected by the January 29 attack between Amasiri and Okporojo communities.
“Today marks the flag-off and distribution of relief materials as well as the disbursement of funds to the 57 displaced persons from Okporojo during the attack that occurred on January 29,” she said.
According to her, Gov. Nwifuru approved the sum of ₦70 million through the Ministry of Human Capital Development and Monitoring in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency for the procurement of relief materials for the victims.
She explained that families of the four persons who lost their lives received ₦2 million each, while those whose houses were burnt received between ₦500,000 and ₦1.5 million depending on the level of damage.
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Aligwe added that each affected family also received five bundles of zinc, foams, bags of rice, and wrappers to support their resettlement.
She advised beneficiaries to use the support to rebuild their homes and livelihoods rather than engage in further conflict.
“The governor is providing these materials to help you rebuild your homes and start a new life. This support should not be used as an opportunity to renew the crisis, as the governor desires peace across the state,” she added.
Responding to questions from journalists, the commissioner clarified that the relief items were funded entirely by the Ebonyi State government, noting that the state was yet to receive support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Earlier, the member representing Edda East State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Stephen Igwe, called on the government to urgently demarcate the boundary between Okporojo and Amasiri communities to prevent future clashes.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Edda North Development Centre, Mrs. Cecilia Nkama-Ude, commended Gov. Nwifuru for his swift intervention, noting that the relief materials would help the affected families rebuild their lives and heal from the trauma of the crisis.
Beneficiaries thanked the state governor for his benevolence and assured him of the sustenance of peace in the area.
Items distributed to the victims included cash assistance, foams, bundles of zinc, bags of rice, and pieces of wrapper.
