Ebonyi Man Begins Lagos–Abakaliki Trek in Support of Gov Nwifuru’s Peace Efforts in Effium Crisis

A 37-year-old businessman, Jeremiah Nworu Obaji, has embarked on a 633-kilometre trek from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in solidarity with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s peace efforts in the troubled Effium/Ezza-Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

Mr Obaji, a native of Inikiri Umuezeoka, set out on the journey at exactly 12 noon on Friday, cheered on by friends and business associates.

He told NAIJA NEWS TODAY that his decision was inspired by Governor Nwifuru’s intervention in ending the violent conflict that erupted in January 2021, which claimed thousands of lives and displaced many families.

“The crisis brought untold hardship to me and others. I have been accommodating my parents, my wife’s parents, and other relatives who lost their homes. The governor promised peace during his campaign, and he has delivered. This trek is my way of thanking him,” Mr Obaji said.

He added that beyond peace, the governor had given “justice” to the community by creating new autonomous communities and approving boundary demarcations to prevent further disputes. 

State government actions

In May, Governor Nwifuru signed a peace accord into law, commenced land demarcation, and approved the creation of five autonomous communities — three for Effium indigenes and two for their Ezza counterparts.

“We have been able to champion peace with dignity and respect for humanity. Some people are benefitting from this crisis, but this government will not allow them to sabotage peace,” the governor said while signing the law at the Government House, Abakaliki.

However, the Effium community has rejected aspects of the decision, particularly the ceding of land and the creation of autonomous communities. Leaders of the community vowed to 

challenge the move in court, accusing the governor of favouring the Ezza people.

Other reactions

The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and federal lawmakers from the state have praised Governor Nwifuru’s measures.

APC spokesperson Chidi Ogbuatu described him as “a true peacemaker,” while Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) commended his “courageous political will” in addressing the four-year conflict.

As part of its broader peace initiatives, the state government recently released about 180 detainees arrested during the height of the conflict, citing insufficient evidence.

Federal interventions have also shaped the process. In January 2021, the Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) appealed to then-President Muhammadu Buhari to deploy troops to the area after more than 40 people were killed in 72 hours. 

Later efforts included a ceasefire agreement in 2023 and the release of White Papers on communal conflicts, followed by an implementation committee.

Despite lingering disputes, Mr Obaji insists peace is gradually returning to his community.

“Even if the governor did nothing else, the peace he brought has saved countless lives. We must all appreciate him when he does well,” he said.

Background

The Effium/Ezza-Effium crisis started on 22 January 2021 following a dispute between the Effium people and their Ezza-Effium kinsmen.

The conflict was triggered by a rivalry between two local political leaders — Clement Odah, then council chairman from Effium, and Chinedu Awo, an Ezza member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. The dispute centred on the control of market and motor-park revenues in the community.

What began as a leadership tussle soon degenerated into a full-blown communal war. The two clans, who had for decades coexisted peacefully, intermarried, and shared cultural ties, suddenly turned against each other.

The violence quickly escalated along ethnic lines, resulting in widespread killings, arson, and mass displacement. By mid-2021, hundreds of people had been killed, thousands displaced, and entire villages reduced to ruins.

Today, Effium remains largely deserted, as many inhabitants have fled to other parts of Ebonyi State, the South-East, and beyond in search of safety and survival. Despite several interventions by government authorities, civic groups, and individuals, efforts to secure lasting peace in the community have largely failed.

Analysts observe that what started as a transport union rivalry has since evolved into a deeper struggle over land ownership, political dominance, and control of local revenue.