NEWS
Abia State House of Assembly Moves to Address Bloody Crisis Over Erei Palm Plantation in Ohafia
Fresh concerns over recurring violence and bloodshed in Okon Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area, took centre stage at the Abia State House of Assembly as lawmakers deliberated on a motion seeking urgent government intervention in the troubled Erei Palm Plantation Farm Settlement.
The motion, presented during plenary by the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, called on the Abia State Government to immediately take over the plantation through the Ministry of Agriculture in a bid to restore peace, revive economic activities and end the persistent communal unrest linked to the management and control of the facility.
While presenting the motion, the lawmaker raised alarm over the repeated violent clashes that have continued to threaten lives, security and stability within Okon Aku community and surrounding areas, stressing that decisive action had become necessary to prevent further escalation.
The motion further urged the State Government, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies, to ensure the deployment of adequate security personnel within the plantation and adjoining communities to forestall another breakdown of law and order.
The House was also called upon to mandate its Committees on Agriculture as well as Security and Boundary Matters to engage with the Executive arm of government towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering disputes and frequent fracas associated with the plantation over the years.
However, after deliberations, the House declined immediate intervention on the matter, citing the fact that the crisis surrounding the Erei Palm Plantation is already before a State Panel of Enquiry currently investigating the issues.
Lawmakers resolved to await the findings and recommendations of the panel before taking further legislative action on the matter