By: Emmanuel Nlewedum
After over twelve years of unrest, occasioned by incessant cult activities, gang violence among communities in Bua Boue Kingdom, Khana local government area of Rivers State, peace has finally returned to the area.
Within the period of unrest, scores of persons have been killed; properties worth millions of naira destroyed and residents deserted the villages to take refuge in Bori, headquarters of the council and other parts of the state.
In a bid to end the years-long crisis that has ravaged the area, a peace and reconciliation committee have been inaugurated to chart the way forward for the kingdom.
PHSPECTATOR reports that aside the peace committee, committees on Diaspora and Traditional Cleansing were also inaugurated to fast track the process of achieving total peace in no distant time.
Paramount Ruler of Bua Boue kingdom, His Royal Highness, Mene Taalor Nwidae Tornwe while inaugurating the committees regretted that the crisis that plagued the kingdom over the years has caused them untold hardship and pains, as well as demise of loved ones.
Tornwe noted that the essence of constituting the peace committees was to restore sustainable peace and unity, ensure fleeing residents return home, insisting that “Buoe must be great again”.
He charged members of the committees to be focused, dedicated and committed to restoring the lost glory of the land.
The monarch commended the State and council governments, the Divisional Police Officer of Bori Police Division, SP. Bako Amgbashin and stakeholders of the communities for their supportive roles to combat crime and ensure lasting peace returns to the kingdom.
He said “It will be a thing of joy to see my people return back to their homes to live a normal life again. The crisis affected both social and economic activities but I know this kingdom will be great again”.
The 25 man Peace Committee has the Paramount Ruler of Gbam community, Chief Clement Neeka Dassang as Chairman and Dam Promise Millionaire as secretary.
Meanwhile, the people of Uegwere community in Bua Boue kingdom has commended the Mene Bua Boue for instituting the peace committee to put an end to the crisis that has claimed several lives and destroyed properties.
Chairman, Community Development Committee of the community, Nu-Easi Adoobe in a statement said it was a step in the right direction.
He appealed to the state governor, leadership of Khana council and security agencies to always beam their satellite on the area, and urged the committee to remain neutral in course of discharging their duties.
