Ado Local Government Chairman Fosters Peace Between Ezza Ezekuna and Ulayi Communities
Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche, Chairman of Ado Local Government, convened a crucial meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, bringing together representatives from the Ezza Ezekuna Benue Development Association (EEBDA), the Ezza Ezekuna People’s Patriotic Congress (EEPPC), and their Ulayi counterparts at the Local Government Headquarters in Igumale.
The meeting according to a report from the Principal Private Secretary to The Chairman, Innocent Igelle aimed to address long-standing issues between the communities stemming from the displacement of Ezza people due to communal conflict with the Effium people of Ebonyi State.
The Ezza groups, led by Madam Perpetual Nkechi Okafor (EEBDA) and Prince Nwakpa Chukwuma (EEPPC), highlighted key concerns including land disputes, land grabbing, multiple taxation, and a lack of employment opportunities for their youth. Specific requests included increased youth involvement in vigilante groups and revenue collection, revitalization of the Inikri and Odoke markets, improved road infrastructure, and the establishment of primary healthcare centers. The delegation, which included Chief Ukoh Ezekwe, Chief Dan Nwaeze, Hon. Mathew Agom, Chief Linus Osulor (Igwe of Ezzas in Benue), and Chief Odom Emmanuel, emphasized the urgent need for solutions to allow the Ezza people to return to their ancestral lands.
Madam Okafor underscored the precarious refugee status of the Ezza people and the loss of their land to invaders. She highlighted the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to new owners of previously Ezza-owned properties. Chief Ukoh Ezekwe stressed the importance of peace and unity, while Chief Dan Nwaeze expressed confidence in Hon. Oche’s ability to resolve the conflict. Hon. Mathew Agom raised concerns about property theft and other criminal activities, and Chief Linus Osulor expressed the community’s willingness to cooperate fully. Comrade Nwakpa Chukwuma highlighted the issues of multiple checkpoints leading to insecurity and extortion.
Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche acknowledged the multifaceted nature of the problems and pledged a multi-pronged approach, promising regular follow-up meetings. He cited the Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s (Ph.D.) commitment to addressing the challenges facing the people, highlighting achievements such as prompt salary payments, the new minimum wage implementation, and plans for improved infrastructure and healthcare. Engr. Sunny Oche emphasized his own commitment to resolving the land disputes, tackling multiple taxation through engagement with revenue officials, creating employment opportunities, and fostering peace and mutual trust between the Ezza and Ulayi communities. Specific actions include addressing individual land invaders, investigating allegations of corrupt revenue officials, reserving employment slots for qualified Ezza candidates, and promoting dialogue and collaboration. He also pledged support to the family of a rape victim and ordered the investigation of outstanding mortuary bills.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Hon. Mathias Ogballa, Supervisory Councilor for Health, who expressed confidence in the Chairman’s ability to fulfill his promises. The Ezza Ezekuna groups presented a carton of Chandor soft wine to Hon. Oche in appreciation of his efforts.
