The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that the father of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, Eze I. O. Kanu will soon return home.
Ikpeazu said South East Governors are working round the clock to ensure the return of the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ibeku Autonomous community.
The traditional ruler has not been seen since September 10, 2017, when military men invaded his residence.
Speaking at the state’s Government House in Umuahia during a visit by the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Ikpeazu said, “Eze Ibeawuchi can tell some of the efforts the government made to prevent the invasion of the community.
“I was outside the country when the crises started on a Sunday and returned immediately to take charge in the hope of preventing the escalation of the crises. We went as far convening an emergency meeting of traditional rulers to help persuade the military not to engage the unarmed youth.
“We had to impose curfew to de-escalate the situation and moved in to ensure that those who were injured were treated.
“The south East Governors as a body is doing its best to ensure that Eze Kanu is re-united with his community. Your traditional rulers will go with me to meet other south east governors and we will work to ensure that Eze Kanu does not spend the new year outside his domain.”
Ikpeazu insisted that the Federal Government never consulted him before carrying out the operation that led to the invasion of Afaraukwu community last year by the military.
The Governor described the people of Afaraukwu as reliable allies and partners in progress, assuring that they would always receive special attention in terms of development projects, empowerment and employment as host community of Government House.
He thanked them for their prayers and support, and assured that the Trinity college road will be completed soon while work will resume at the Afara Ring road.