Stakeholders and leaders of thought of the Edda clan, in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have called for peace and unity, saying the clan was on the threshold of growth and development.

They also called on the indigenes of Amasiri in the Afikpo Local Government Area of the state, to desist from attacking and killing their people, adding that the people of the area were merely toeing the path of peace being canvased by the Ebonyi State government under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s watch.

Speaking at the Maiden Ike Ji (Edda New Festival) in Ngozi, Edda, a former Senator who represented the Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, Chief Sonni Ogboji, urged the people to embrace peace at all times.

Ogboji, who was the Chairman of the occasion, emphasized that the people of Edda were both known for peace and gallantry, wondering why her brothers in Amasiri had chosen to unleash mayhem on them.

“We are appealing to the state government to step in and ensure this kind of ugly incident does not happen again.”

In his address, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Hon. Chima Ekumankama called on the State Government to deploy more security personnel, including soldiers and police to protect lives and property in the area.

Ekumankama, who offered condolences to the victim’s family, expressed his pain over the recurring violence.

“It hurts me seriously when I see the blood of any Edda man in the community. More security personnel is what I’m asking for to stop this senseless killing.” he said

Despite the sober mood, the chairman of the council, highlighted the importance of the New Yam Festival, adding that the festival, known for its rich cultural performances such as the maidens’ dance (Eyighiya), among others was geared towards promoting unity and to usher in a new era for the Edda people