By Nwogha Ndubuisi and Amuche Agbo, Abakaliki

Ebonyi state government led by Engr. David Umahi on Thursday 15th March, 2021 constituted a panel of inquiry headed by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha to investigate the unauthorized released of the fifty six suspects arrested in connection with the killings in Effium- Ezza Effium community, Ohaukwu LGA of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala disclosed this to newsmen after the State Executive Councils meeting held at Exco Chamber, old Government House, Abakaliki.

According to SSG, Exco directed the arrest of the individuals who bent in circulating fake and unverified reports on social media about the crisis and prosecute them accordingly, as the development is aimed at sabotaging government peaceful effort in making sure the people returned back to their homes and appreciated security agencies and stakeholders whom their effort have brought relatively peace in the community.

The SSG stated that Exco has directed the residents of Effium and Ezza Effium to relocate back to their community specifically residents of Nweke Ndiagu, Akparata and effium market area saying that provision of IDP camps have been made with food, clothing and medical services to enable the state government continue her peace process pending the return of permanent peace and warned that nobody should be allowed to take properties out from the community henceforth.

On the case of Ishinkwo/ Abaomege crisis, Exco ordered that the arrested people be given an administrative bail, noting that state government would revoke the bail if recorded further shooting and called on them to set up local vigilantes to complement other security outfit established by the state government.

Dr. Ugbala noted that exco set up a committee headed by Commissioner for Infrastructure and Concession, Engr. Fidelis Nweze to marshal out developmental plan of old Abakpa market and old Building Material to make the state more resourceful.

On his part, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Boarder, Peace and Conflicts Resolution, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha and hinted that there is relatively peace at Effium and Ezza Effium adding that Exco has set up committee headed by him to investigate the unauthorized release of the suspects in connection with the crisis and report back in the next Exco meeting.

He, however added that Ebonyi state government has procured motorcycles and distributed same to security agencies to improve securities in all parts of the state.

In furtherance, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Onyebuchi Chima stated that Exco directed the reopening of the Kingdom Model Secondary School that was shut down last year over alleged cult activities in Idembia, Ezza south LGA having met all the necessary requirements.

Dr. Chima added that the executive council also directed the engagement of students on intensive teaching mostly on English, mathematics, Igbo, current affairs and debate competition towards the development of Ebonyi state.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Samuel Okoronkwo hinted that Exco charged chairmen of various LGA to beef up securities to guarantee safety of lives and property in their areas.