By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia

The Council of Ohafia monarchs has met with the Commanding Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Barracks, 14 Brigade Headquarters, Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Brigadier General M.B Wabili at the brigade headquarters.

The meeting which had in attendance, senior military officers of the Brigade, The Nation gathered was part of plans by the traditional institution in Ohafia to seek ways of relaxing the siege of the area by soldiers.

Our correspondent who gathered that peace is gradually returning to the troubled area as soldiers who were stationed in some parts of the troubled communities have started returning to the army barracks.

Reading a communiqué on behalf of Council of Ohafia monarchs, HRM Ezieogo Elder Emmanuel Kalu Kalu Onugu, the Ezieogo of Asaga Ohafia noted that the meeting became necessary due to the current military siege in Amangwu and some other communities of Ohafia.

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Onugu pointed out that as a result of the ongoing militarisation, economic and social activities of the indigenes and residents of the affected communities are at its lowest ebb and as a result, have caused the economically boisterous town and communities to suffer huge losses and has impacted negatively on the people.

Also speaking, HRM Ezieogo Kalu Ikenga urged the Brigade Commander to reconsider easing the continuous lockdown in some parts of Ohafia.

Responding, the Commander 14 Brigade Wabili appreciated the monarchs for taking what he described as a proactive step as custodians of their respective communities and people.

In a vote of thanks, Ezieogo Elder Mmecha O. Mmecha, the Ezieogo Amangwu Ohafia, thanked the Brigade commander for the audience and appealed to him to ensure the safety of the indigenes and residents of Amangwu community and Ohafia people in whose domain the command headquarters is situated.

Meanwhile, Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has impressed on tasked traditional rulers in the state the need to ensure the safety of their various communities.

Presenting the Staffs of Office to 23 Ezes-elect of various autonomous Communities in the state at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, the state capital, Governor Ikpeazu stated that the staff of office is a symbol of respect, authority and power, and charged them to exercise their powers with the fear of God and with utmost discretion.

He told them to be mindful of the rules and regulations guiding the Ezeship stool which they now occupy.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the traditional ruler of Mgboko-Itungwa Autonomous Community, Obingwa LGA, Eze Chibuzo Ngwakwe thanked Governor Ikpeazu for finding them fit for the position of Traditional Rulers.

The event attracted many dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Deputy Chief of to the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Joseph Nwabekee, Abia State Chairman, Christian Associations of Nigeria, Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo amongst others.