Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has ordered the arrest of his Deputy Chief of Staff, Fidelis Okpata, and other “political office holders and stakeholders” from the warring Ekpomaka and Inyimagu communities pending the amicable resolution of the violent crisis which erupted in the area two days ago.
Umahi gave the directive at a security meeting with security chiefs and residents from both Ikwo and Abakaliki local government areas of the state at the Executive Council Chambers, Abakaliki
“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 allow a 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.”