Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state on Thursday ordered the immediate arrest of all political appointees and stakeholders from two sisters warring communities until the crisis is amicable resolved.
Their arrest which the governor ordered at the executive chamber in Abakaliki took place during enlarged state executive security meeting that did not last for more than five minutes.
This came following persistent hostilities among the people of Ekpomaka and Inyimagu communities in Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi state in which lives and property worth millions of naira were reported lost.
The names of those arrested were: Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof Fidelis Okpata, HRM Nwigboji Nwokwo, Hon. Fred Ndegu who is the Chairman Abakaliki Capital Territory Board and Ezor Udegu the coordinator south east development centre and others.
Umahi said: "I am sad that there is still crisis in these communities despite the fact that we set up a committee in this state to look into the matter.
"We pleaded with the communities to ceasefire and await the outcome of the committee report but it does appear that they do not want to give peace a chance.
"I therefore order the Commissioner of Police to arrest all the stakeholders and political office holders from the communities.
"Without looking back, all of you in this Executive Council chamber are under arrest. I want the Commissioner of Police to detain you people until peace returns to the communities," he said.
He further warned that his administration will do everything possible to ensure safety of the people of the state and deal with anybody found fomenting troubles in the communities no matter how highly placed.
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