Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has granted amnesty to 51 youths involved in the conflict between Ekoli community, Edda Local Government Area, and neighbouring Cross River communities.
Ekoli and Egbor/Urugbam communities in Biase LGA, Cross River, clashed in 2021 over ownership of a palm plantation.
According to a reporter by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the conflict caused several deaths and destruction of properties valued at millions of naira. 
Announcing the amnesty on Friday at the 134 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ezillo, Ishielu LGA, Nwifuru urged beneficiaries to embrace peace and a new path.
The governor said the state government was working with the Nigerian Army to achieve lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas.
“Our disarmament programme marked a turning point, showing the youths’ willingness — once vigilante members — to surrender arms and embrace peace,” the governor stated.
He said the voluntary surrender of eight mortar bombs, 29 AK-47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns demonstrated their commitment to peace and a brighter future.
“We honour this commitment by granting amnesty to 51 of our brothers previously trapped in a cycle of violence,” Nwifuru said.
He emphasized that the amnesty symbolised both a pardon and a fresh start, offering hope for a brighter future.
