Herdsmen, community clash provocative, worrisome, says governor’s aide

Police Affairs Adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Dr. Ugochukwu Collins Obi, has expressed worry over the continued clashes between herdsmen and communities in the state, referring to the recent clash at Umuobasiukwu in Bende Local Council, in which no human life was lost.

Obi, who is also the chairman of Police Zone 9, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), recalled that not long ago, a similar violent clash occurred at Ozuitem, a neighboring Umuobasiukwu community that resulted in loss of lives and property, saying that all the clashes were confirmed by the state police command.

To prevent future clashes, Obi told The Guardian that his office would, in conjunction with the PCRC, dialogue with communities, herdsmen and other stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials and other security agencies to formulate a sustainable panacea to the clashes.

Obi, who expressed his appreciation to governor Ikpeazu for considering him suitable as his Police Affairs Adviser, said he was challenged by the latest clash at Umuobasiukwu to find a lasting solution to herdsmen/communities clashes in the area and state in general.

He also commended the Ozuitem and Umuobasiukwu communities, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Leye Oyebade, and the Zone 9 Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, for their timely intervention that quelled the clash and restored peace in the community.

He pleaded with all those aggrieved by the clashes to remain calm, assuring that a lasting solution was being articulated as directed by the state governor.