By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The deputy speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr. Chinedu Onah, representing Ohaukwu South constituency, and the Ngbo leaders council have vehemently refuted claims of an attack on Agila traders at Okwo-ngbo market by local youths.
Speaking to newsmen in Abakaliki, Deputy Speaker Onah dismissed the allegations as a mere speculation. He clarified, “I was at the Okwo-ngbo market that day. It was just a misunderstanding between an Agila guy, not identified by our people, who was masquerading.”
In a statement signed by President Okeh C. Okeh, Secretary General Emmanuel Etu Odo, and Chairman Cyril Obazi of the Ngbo/Agila Inter-community Peace and Reconciliatory Committee, the Ngbo leaders council affirmed that there was no attack or disruption of business activities in the Okwo-ngbo market.
The longstanding communal conflict between Ngbo and Agila, spanning over a century, has claimed numerous lives and valuable properties. However, a significant step towards peace was taken on 18th November, 2023, when leaders from both communities signed a peace accord, marking a shift from hostilities to coexistence.
The Ngbo leaders council expressed displeasure over a recent publication alleging the beating of Agila traders by Ngbo youths at Okwo-ngbo. Terming the report as baseless and deceitful, the council called on the public, particularly Agila neighbors, to disregard the unfounded publication and continue with their normal activities, including buying and selling in Okwo Ngbo Market.