By Amuche Agbo,Abakaliki
The leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,Ebonyi State Chapter, has on 7th June, 2021 issued a seven day ultimatum to the people of Enyibichiri in Ikwo LGA to released the alleged abducted seven children of Enyigba Community in Abakaliki Local Government Area without delay.
This was contained in a communique issued to Journalists by the Chairman of the association after an enlarged stakeholders meeting involving traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen and other top Government functionaries from the both communities at St Thomas Catholic Church, Pastoral Center Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The communique’ as presented by Reverend Father Abraham Nwali, State Chairman of the association, said that CAN had join with the press release by the Governor of the State, ordering the people of Ikwo to provide the abducted children within seven days as well as, condemned the act saying that before the expiration of the seven days Ikwo people should endeavor to let CAN know the whereabout of the said children concretely and verifiable alive or death to enable them give the State Government reports about the crisis.
According to the communique’, CAN noted with dismay the recent development which led to the burning of houses in some parts of Ikwo and Izhi respectively but said that the two communities confirmed that there is no crisis between them as they are brothers.
The association in conjunction with state Governor ordered all the citizens and residents of Ebonyi State to go about their normal businesses and called those who have left out of fear to return back.
The Communique further directed that anybody found breaking shops, stores, houses, intimidating or threatening residents or visitors in Abakaliki metropolis is taking law into his or her hand and anybody apprehended would face the full weight of the law.
It noted that the people of Ikwo and Izhi extractions were asked to sheathe their swords, guns and work together to ensure peace return permanently in the area.
It added that CAN would continue interfacing and as well intervene with selected stakeholders from the two communities to continue the peace process and called all and sundry to be law abiding.
However, observation was made by Ikwo people who expressed fear and worries that it was their brothers at Enyibichiri, Ikwo and Azuoffia living with the cross river always step in to commit crime but CAN on her own part has jointly asked Ikwo to hold them responsible and bring with those children or else CAN would hold IKwo responsible because they are passing through their territory using their name.
Meanwhile, CAN appreciated God for his continual mercy and Love and thanked Governor Umahi for his his proactiveness and confidence to them while appreciating CAN leaders Exco Members for their goodness and commitment to peace.
