Effuim crisis: Ebonyi Govt condemns attack on Ibeto's company

From Adaeze Onuora Aroh, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Government on Wednesday, condemned  the attack on a facility belonging to Ibeto Groups at Okporo, in Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The deputy governor, Kelechi Igwe,  who was at Effium on assessment visit  of the crisis rocking the area, described as unfortunate, the attempt to burn down the company's office building even when the owner  Chief Cletus Ibeto is not an indigen of the area.

"This is not an aggrevated attack. It is an lsolated criminal action of some hoodlums who hide under the crisis, but efforts will be intensified to fish out the perpetrators, he said."

The deputy governor, who noted that it takes huge amount of resources and energy to attract investors, assured that security agents will mount surveillance to  fish out the attackers.

He observed that the crisis in the area has gone beyond community misunderstanding and alleged that some people are behind it to  cause instability in the state.

Dr Igwe warned that community leaders will henceforth, be held responsible for any further breach of peace in the area.

He appealed to Ibeto Groups and other investors not to be discouraged by the attack assuring them of government's commitment to protect investments in all parts of the state.

He disclosed that government has procured relief materials for the displaced persons , adding that strategies will be adopted to reach IDPs who are taking refuge in churches and neighbouring communities.

The deputy governor also appreciated Governor Umahi for his high level of commitment to bring lasting peace to the area and for providing relief materials for the internally  displaced persons.

He commended the military, police and other security agencies , Methodist Bishop of Abakaliki, Rt Rev. Lawson Elom, as well as Commissioner for Internal Security , Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha for their interventions in the crisis.