BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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The people of Effium Autonomous Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have rejected proposal for demarcation of their land, condemning the killing of their son.
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The position of the Effium community was contained in a statement signed by its leaders namely; Comrade Emmanuel Acha, Pastor Emmanuel Okpogo, Mr. Joseph Odah, Mr. Lawrence Agbeze, Mr. Raphael Emeka, and Mr. Obinna Aloh.
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The community also commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru for releasing Effium sons from Abakaliki Correctional Center under detention for over four years as a result of the crisis in Effium community.
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Parts of the statement read:
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“The good people of Effium Autonomous Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State graciously appreciate His Excellency, The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru for releasing Effium Sons from Abakaliki Correctional Center under detention for over four years as a result of the crisis in Effium Community.
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“While, we appreciate His Excellency’s amnesty to our dear sons, we equally wish to inform His Excellency and the general public that the entire Effium indigenous people, based on the resolution of the emergency general meeting held on 18th Day of January, 2025 at Effium Civic Center have overwhelmingly and completely rejected Ebonyi State Government proposal to demarcate Effium land between Effium Aborigines and Ezza Strangers in Effium.
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“It is important to note that Effium community harbours other strangers in Effium, such as Arochukwu, Amuda, Uburu, Akaeze, Awka, Hausa, Izzi, Ikwo, Mgbowo, Nkanu, Udi, Nsukka, etc. Should Effium land be balkanized for or shared with any strangers that reside in Effium or fight Effium? The answer is no. No land is ever jointly owned by the natives and her strangers.
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“As landlords, we cannot be coerced into accepting demarcation of our land using the instrument of force, violence, intimidation, molestation, fiat to take over our land.
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“The good people of Effium looked at Ebonyi State Government action to demarcate Effium land with puzzled frown, despite the fact that the case is in the court of competent jurisdiction. Thus, Ebonyi State Government has continued to demonstrate blatant disregard for the rule of law and judicial process.
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“The people of Effium also strongly condemn the killing of our son Mr. Monday Odah by the Ezza warlords in Effium. The deceased was killed on Monday 17th February 2025 while harvesting peas at the backyard of his compound at Ekpitom village in Effium community. Effium people frowned that this particular incident has reverse the peace effort by the stakeholders and appeal that the perpetrators be brought to book.
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“Finally, Effium people say outright “NO” to land demarcation.
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