Ruth Oginyi
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has approved the release of 31 little children in Effium arrested over the communal war between the people of Effium and Ezza, Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
Barr Uchenna Orji state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation made this known while addressing journalists on the outcome of the state Executive Council on Monday.
He noted that the 31 children have been on remand home for about three months and were brainwashed into carrying arms during the crisis in Effium Community.
“Exco examined the fate of 31 underaged children from Effium community who were brainwashed into carrying arms during the crisis in Effium Community. These children have been on remand for about 3 months now.
“Exco approved that the HAG and CP should work on their release on a condition that each of them should get their parents or guardians (where their parents are dead) to effect their bail conditions. Each of the children is to swear an affidavit through their parents or guardians to be of good conduct”, he said.
Meanwhile, the state government has commenced the process of securing the release of the 31 under-aged children
To this end, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe has undertaken an assessment visit to Abakalilki Correctional Centre and Remand Home.
Addressing journalists shortly after interacting with the children and officials of the center, the Deputy Governor explained that the move has become necessary to secure the release of the children most of who were victims of circumstance.
“We think part of our service as Government is to ensure the welfare of our subjects, we will not allow an innocent person to suffer under our administration either by carelessness or mistakes of the officers of the law. Some of them were victims of circumstance in the process of stabilizing peace in Effium community”, he said
He noted that the children were not immediately released to go back home because such would have endangered their Iives at that moment.
He said that while in detention, the Government has made sufficient arrangements to cater to their welfare.
He used the opportunity to once again appeal to warring parties to give peace a chance to enable displaced persons to return to their homes.
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