People of Isuaniocha Community in Awka North Local Government area of Anambra state have resolved to embrace peace for overall development of the area.
They dissolved all youth activities in the town as well as collection of levies in various forests in the area.
The community’s decision taken during a general meeting involving elders, women, youths and other stakeholders followed five years old crisis that led to destruction of lives and property in the area.
They also instituted a Peace Committee comprising Chairmen and Secretaries of all villages, Women leaders and other notable persons nominated by elders and Ozor in Council with the mandate of speaking with parties involved in the crisis to be followed with recommendations aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the area.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, Chairman Umelem village, Chief Danatus Anyaegbunem said there was no reason for such crisis that would warrant people fleeing the town, revealing that the entire community was from one parent.
He said, “Those erecting stalls at the Eke Agba market square were equally directed to stop henceforth as the land belonged to Isuaniocha community and not to any individual.
“Those who were already paying rent and levies to private individuals were equally directed to stop forthwith and pay same to the community until all issues were resolved.”
Also speaking, Comrade Innocent Okeke from Adama village commended those behind the peace meeting, enjoining others to embrace the spirit of forgiveness.
“For the first time our people sat together to discuss, since 2018 when crisis broke out leading to the destruction of property and death of some individuals.
“Central School field Isuaniocha where we met was filled to capacity with almost every indigenes of the community in attendance.
“All aggrieved and concerned persons were given opportunity to proffer way forward having agreed that peace was the best option for the overall interest of the entire community,” he said.
Chief Obuka Okoye from Otoko village appealed to those whose houses and means of livelihood were destroyed to forgive those responsible in the interest of peace and development of the community.
“It was also an opportunity to send strong warning to those from neighboring communities intruding and fanning ember of crisis in Isuaniocha to desist as the town is capable of resolving its matter amicably.
One of the victims of the crisis, Madiegbuna Igboanyia, while recounting the trauma some of them went through in the last five years, called on elders to shun sentiment and ensure honestly at all times, describing it as only tool for lasting peace.
Another victim, Paulinus Onyeagolu, whose family houses were destroyed and property looted, said the decision to initiate the peace process was to put a stop to issues that instigated the crisis.
Chief Onyeagolu whose younger brother, Tony was President General of Isuaniocha when the the crisis broke out after his refusal to connive with disgruntled elements to sell Community Secondary School land in 2018, called on parents to warn their children, youths and relations to desist from further attacks as such step could deflate the peace already being achieved.
Chairman, Ozor in Council, Isuaniocha, Chukwudi Onuorah expressed optimism that every matter would be resolved to forestall similar occurrences in the future.
