By James Nwakpa.
Nwifuru, while consoling the people of Izhi Nnodo Ekumenyi Clan at his Oferekpe Agbaja community in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State, who paid him the 2025 New Year Homage, described the killing of their 13 kinsmen by the Effuimites as an unprovoked one.
He commended the Izhi people for their remarkable restraint and show of maturity following the unprovoked killing of 13 indigenes of their clan by the neighbouring Effium community.
The governor noted that there was a series of attacks on the Izhi people amidst the long-lasted communal crisis between the Effiumites and the Ezza Effium people in the Effium community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He expressed deep sadness over the brutal killings of innocent Izhi indigenes in their villages, noting that they were victims of a conflict they knew nothing about.
The governor further described the attacks as unfortunate and regrettable and, however, praised the Izhi people for their peaceful disposition, emphasizing that their calmness should not be mistaken for cowardice but recognized as a sign of wisdom and maturity.
He also urged the Effiumites to embrace peace and align with the state government’s peace initiatives to ensure that lasting peace returns to the Effium war-torn community.
In another development, Governor Nwifuru advised Izhi contractors awarded state government projects to prioritize quick and effective delivery, stressing the importance of commitment to development.
He also charged all the political appointees in the state to step up their performances and fulfil their responsibilities diligently in their various areas of engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the Izhi stakeholders, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Architect Mbam Ogodo, and His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Oketa, among others, expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru for his developmental strides and peace-driven initiatives.
They acknowledged his efforts in giving the Izhi clan a prominent voice in Nigerian politics and pledged their unwavering support.
The stakeholders also thanked God for the progress in Ebonyi State under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and reaffirmed their support for fostering peace and development in the state, even as they expressed their gratitude to the governor for making the people of the Izhi clan proud,
They prayed for God's abundant wisdom for him to continue to steer the ship of Ebonyi State to the desired destination.
