The 20-year-old intra-communal crisis that rocked Isuofia town in Aguata local government area of Anambra State was Tuesday resolved following the reconciliation of the two factions and the ultimate election of a new town union Executive Council.
Trouble was said to have started in 1997 when a quarter of Isuofia community announced its secession from the town and proclaiming Isuanioma community, an action that led to a breakdown of law and order in the area.
During the crisis, more than nine buildings were torched, 36 families fled their homes for fear of attacks, while two persons were alleged to have been missing till date.
Consequently, Isuofia Peoples Union Federated Executive which existed for 18 years was seen by a section of the community as an illegitimate organisation, and this exarcebated the crisis.
Last year, a peace and conflict resolution committee made up of clerics from the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches including some stakeholders in the community was set up to resolve the two-decades old face-off.
However, a law suit filed shortly after the truce by Chief Samuel Nwankwo and 11 others against Prof Charles Soludo, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, eight clerics and 22 others was quashed by the presiding judge of Aguata High Court, Justice Obiora.
In line with the amicable resolution of the conflict by the two warring camps, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyeabo, a lawyer and Special Adviser to Anambra State governor on chieftaincy and town union matter, conducted the town union election for a new executive.
Speaking after the election that produced Mr. Jude Okeke as the President-General, Soludo described it was a new dawn in Isuofia community.
“War or crisis is an evil wind that blows nobody any good and you can imagine what our community has lost in the last 20 years, socio-economically. I wish to announce my support for the new executive and I call on all and Sundry both those that won the election and those that did not win to work together for the progress and development of Isuofia town.
“I also thank the Anambra State government for its role in ensuring peace in Isuofia town and we the people of Isuofia would endure that we cue in to all the developmental schemes and policies of this executive and the state government.”
