Governor Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to the 159 detainees of the Effium and Ezza-Effium communal crisis in Ohaukwu LGA.
Mr. Nwifuru granted them amnesty on Tuesday in Abakaliki after four years in the correctional centre.
The detainees were those arrested by the security agencies due to communal war between the two communities in the area since 2021.
The magistrate’s court in Abakaliki discharged the detainees on Monday. During the declaration of an amnesty and rehabilitation programme for the pre-trial of the detainees, the governor said that he was committed to rehabilitating and reintegrating them into society.
He said the state government would demarcate the communities to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Ben Odoh, the attorney-general, described the gesture as a “welcome development” to the people.
Mr Odoh said the amnesty processes would mark the beginning of the reintegration of the detainees.
Bassie Offem, controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Ebonyi, commended Mr Nwifuru for his support in deconstructing the custodial centre.
(NAN)
