The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the reinstatement of two traditional rulers following the longstanding boundary dispute between Amasiri and Edda communities in the state.
Nwifuru also directed that the status quo ante bellum be maintained as the Amasiri-Edda Boundary Adjustment and Demarcation Committee continues its work towards finding a lasting solution to the dispute.
The governor disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, following his receipt of the interim report of the committee.
He said the longstanding dispute had caused “pain, loss and tension” among the people, stressing that his administration would not allow the conflict to undermine peace and development in the state.
Nwifuru said, “Our interest is not to favour anyone or any community. Our interest is peace—peace that will give us development. Where there is no peace, there is no development.”
The governor directed that no individual should interfere with the ongoing demarcation exercise or trespass on another person’s land.
He also ordered the reinstatement of the traditional rulers of Ndukwe and Amasiri as part of measures to promote peace and stability in the affected communities.
According to him, the government remains committed to resolving the dispute peacefully and ensuring that similar conflicts do not threaten the development of the state.
“We are willing to make peace, and we will continue to work for peace across Ebonyi State,” the governor stated.
Nwifuru reiterated that peace remained a non-negotiable priority of his administration, urging all parties involved in the dispute to cooperate with the ongoing process.