The ancient traditional institutions in Amasiri, Afikpo Local government area of Ebonyi state, comprising the Ichie Amasiri (revered elders), the various age grades: the ESSA Ruling Council, the Ekpu Uketo, and the Uke Amasiri, custodians of the Amasiri traditions and cultural heritage, has risen in condemnation of the last Thursday's violent killings in Okporojo village, Oso-Edda, Edda LGA of Ebonyi state.
The group described the occurrence as regrettable and barbaric in its entirety.
They observed that Amasiri and Edda people are brothers, united with one lineage system, stressing that any bloodshed between the two clans is not only considered an abomination, but totally condemnable.
The traditional institutions made their position known in a joint communique titled: "Urgent Appeal to His Excellency Builder Francis Ognonna Nwifuru, Executive Governor of Ebonyi State: Expedite Action on Amasiri/Oso Boundary Delineation" and made available to newsmen on Monday.
It was signed by the eight chairmen of the different traditional institutions in the clan including Ichie Hyacinth Idam Mbe, Mr. Roland Ntachi and Apostle Ekuma Emmanuel Ndubuisi, among others.
While condoling with families that have lost their loved ones and properties since the senseless crisis erupted, the group pledged to cooperate with the state government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru to unravel and adequately punish the perpetrators.
It said: "This is deeply regrettable and we condemn these barbaric acts in its entirety.
"We are all brothers, united with one lineage system in the whole of Afikpo and Edda local government areas without exception.
"Thus any action that leads to bloodshed is not only an abomination, but totally out of question".
The traditional institutions, further in the communique appealed to the state government to expedite action on the delineation of the boundary between Amasiri and Oso - Edda communities as the surest way of ending the mutual mistrust and intermittent violent clashes between the two brother communities.
They insisted that delineating the boundary in accordance with the 2003 gazetted report which the two sides agreed to, would definitely restore permanent peace in the area, prevent further bloodshed and destruction and enable the villagers access their farm lands safely, even as the year's farming season is almost at hand.
The communique elaborated: "The Ebonyi State Government, after series of peace meetings between the communities late last year, took the initiative to delineate the land, a decision that was welcomed by both parties.
"It is important to note that the current effort is based on a 2003 gazetted report which the two sides agree will put the matter to rest.
"Another effort in 2023 still agreed on the implementation of the 2003 report.
"We are at a loss why government is dragging their feet on its implementation.
"This delay in implementing the report has continued to fuel hostilities in the area as both sides obviously need to cultivate their lands to feed their families.
With the farming season approaching, we urge prompt settlement of this issue.
"We humbly plead with our beloved Governor, as a people - oriented and listening Governor, to intervene and order immediate implementation of the delineation.
"This will, no doubt, bring relief to the communities and foster a harmonious coexistence."
The group described as unfortunate the recent development in which the neighbours of Amasiri have decided to encroach into her territory from all sides at the same resulting in situations tending to present the peace loving and hospitable Amasiri clan in bad light.
They however pledged to continue to be law abiding and pursue peaceful approaches in spite of all provocations.
"Unfortunately, it does look like all our neighbours rose up at the same time to make an in course into our lands.
"These situations, as unfortunate as they are, present us in lights and colours that are alien to us.
"We are naturally peace loving, accommodating and hospitable, and that is why we have always borne all provocations, including killings of our children, abductions and destruction of properties with equanimity and hoping solely on government to right the wrongs.
"That is also why it is on record that we have NEVER blocked any road, looking for people from neighbouring communities despite losing uncountable souls to such barbaric acts", the communique added.
The group appealed to their brother communities and neighbours to weigh in to efforts to restore peace, law and order on their mutual borders.
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