By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Odionwere, elders and people of Obagie N’ Evbosa Village in Ikpoba – Okha local government area of Edo State; have resolved its lingering internal crisis to embrace peace.
In a peace accord meeting, a couple of days ago; the people decided to chart a common course for the growth, progress and development of the Village.
At the enlarged meeting convened by the Odionwere, Pa. Aiguobatile Okungbowa, issues discussed amongst others; were the need for the warring factions to bury their differences and unite as one family.
This becomes necessary to tackle head on, the challenges affecting the Village which borders mostly on insecurity, it was said.
After the meeting, Chairman of the elders’ Council Pa. Michael Alohan, and Secretary, Iyore Otamere told journalists that for some time now, the Village has been faced with a lot of security challenges, hence the need for the peace accord to tame the menace.
They disclosed, the youths in their resolve to work together as one united force, have agreed to shelve their differences for the common interest of the Village.
If not for anything, but to shame those perpetrating havoc to dent the good image of Obagie N’ Evbosa they said; while encouraging all and sundry to abide by the collective resolve made.
The Okaighele, Festus Edegbe appreciated the Elders’ Council for the peace brokered which, he noted would no doubts go a long way to ensuring sustainable development of the Village.
Edegbe reassured, that the youths will be on constant surveillance of the Village, ensure that the criminal elements amongst them are fished out and handed over to the Government for necessary action.
Pointing out that the progress, growth and development of the Village is a non negotiable priority, he noted that the significance of the youths’ resolution of peace was to demonstrate to the world that infighting in Obagie N’ Evbosa Village has been fully addressed, and they are now one big united family as ever.
Also speaking, former youth Chairman, Richard Uyiekpen Igiebor and Aigbedo Emmanuel said they had to embrace peace as Obagie N’ Evbosa is the only place they could call home.
Hence anybody who feels otherwise has his own personal problem, and is not welcome in the Village.
The youths consequently informed members of the public and the Government that all the rancour and unusual activities that have been happening in the Village, have been amicably addressed.
But not without sounding a warning to all the unscrupulous persons who hitherto hijacked the situation, to perpetrate all sorts of evil to desist henceforth.
“We are once again united as a strong indivisible force against the activities of these persons who have always tried to bring the name of Obagie N Evbosa to disrepute.”
In their renewed resolve to remain united against evil forces, they unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Festus Edegbe as the Okaighele of the Village; promising to work with him in bringing about the much desired peace, growth and development of Obagie N’ Evbosa Village.