The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to the 159 detainees of the Effium and Ezza-Effium communal crisis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital.
The amnesty is coming after the detainees had spent four years in the correctional centre.
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the detainees were those arrested by the security agencies over the communal war between the two communities since 2021.
The agency also reports that the Magistrate’s Court in Abakaliki had on Monday discharged the detainees.
Declaring the amnesty and rehabilitation programme for the freed detainees, Nwifuru said he was committed to rehabilitating and reintegrating them into the society.
As a way to solving the lingering communal clashes between the two communities, Nwifuru noted that the State Government would demarcate the communities. This, he said is to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Addressing the released detainees, Nwifuru said, “This is an opportunity to contribute your quota to your dear community. This is a call for collective responsibilities. A call to lay down your arms and embrace dialogue.
“Let this amnesty mark the dawn of a new chapter in you, your community and Ebonyi State at large.
“I urge you to go home, lay down your arms and embrace peace. Use the opportunity to turn a new leaf. You have been given the chance to rewrite your story. Do not take it for granted.
“After this, Ebonyi State will demarcate the boundary between Ezza and Effium. Effium will occupy the North-East of Effium land. While Ezza shall occupy the North-West part of the land.
“The Effium forest reserve shall remain the Federal Government Forest Reserve.”
In a remark, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odoh, described the gesture as a “welcome development” to the people.
He stated that the amnesty processes would mark the beginning of the reintegration of the detainees.
Odoh thanked the Governor for upholding the rule of law and justice by granting them amnesty.
On his part, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Ebonyi, Bassie Offem spoke on the need to decongest the custodial centre in the State.
He said, “The decongestion of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakaliki, has become an urgent security concern. The Centre was built in 1949 to accommodate 387 inmates. But currently, houses 1,323 inmates.
“This is a security threat to the State, as it could lead to riot. Jail-break or other forms of security concerns, if not handled urgently.”
source: NAN
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