Okon Edet Agbara, Head of Local Government Administration, HOLGA, in Abi Local Government Area, has called on the warring Usumutong and Ediba communities in the area to sink their differences and live as brothers in the interest of peace.
In separate town hall meetings held on the 5th and 6th of October in both communities, Agbara maintained clearly that it has become necessary to insist that both communities embrace peace since the incessant communal clashes between both communities has resulted in the painful loss of lives and properties. He was also particular that traditional rulers, leaders of thought and women in the area must work to ensure that they partner his administration in making sure that peace returns to the area.
Responding, leaders of the two communities thanked the HOLGA for the town hall meeting and promised to co-operate with him to ensure that the traditional hand washing ceremony which will bring lasting peace to the communities is carried out. On the HOLGA’ s entourage were the Director, General Services and Administration, Michael Ina, the Departmental Security Officer, Secretary, Abi Traditional Rulers Council and some clan heads in the area.
Meanwhile, a text message received by www.caliitown.com, late Wednesday evening however insists that, “…after the withdrawal of troops, Ediba may invade Usumutong again within days as build-up (sic) of arms and personnel continues unless government does something urgently”. We were however unable to ascertain the authenticity of this information at press time but police sources in Calabar maintain that the message appears unfounded and misleading.
