By Jude Michael
Elders from Obinagu Achalla of Enugwu-Agidi Community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, have commenced a peace move to end a 70 year-old communal land dispute with their neighbouring Ezinano Village, Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Some elders of the community who spoke to journalists during a peace meeting, acknowledged the place of peace in the development of any community.
One of the elders, Mr Cyprian Odogwu, a 89 year-old indigene of the community, said, ‘We have decided to have a round table discussion to broker peace with Awka people. Unfortunately, there are some people that are hell bent not to achieve this peace initiative. Those people are responsible for selling our land anyhow without accounting for them.
‘You know, there are people in every society who benefit when there is crisis in the land. However, we separated ourselves from those trouble makers and solicit for peace with Awka people for our future generations,’ Odogwu said.
Ichie Wilson Okeofor, a 98 year-old indigene of the community, added, ‘We need peace because we have suffered for this land since 1954 when the case was instituted in London. We have spent money over litigation and finally decided to engage in peace negotiations with Ezinano Community.
‘We are no longer interested in shooting and maiming each other over land matter. We wish to unite with Awka people. Those people that are trying to thwart this peace initiative know themselves in the community and they gain much through this selfish approach.’
It was learnt that both communities have lost property amounting to several millions as a result of hostilities surrounding the dispute for years now.
