A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE ABRAKA AND OBIARUKU COMMUNITIES IN UNITED KINGDOM IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT CRISIS AT HOME

At the joint meeting of the Abraka and Obiaruku communities in the UK , held on Sunday May 01, 2005 , it was resolved as follows:

•  We condemn the crisis in its entirety. We are very concerned that the violence was allowed to escalate to the levels of carnage and destruction that arose.

•  All parties, particularly leaders of thought of both communities, should call their youths to stop immediately all acts of violence and destruction of properties or inter-town fighting.

•  We call on both communities – Abraka and Obiaruku – to set-up a joint committee of elders and opinion leaders, to deliberate on matters of interest to both communities, in order to resolve issues that are likely to cause disaffection between both sides before they escalate to levels of violence.

•  We call on the governments of Nigeria , at all levels, to take their responsibilities of protecting lives and properties seriously to avoid a recurrence of such acts of violence in future.

•  We commiserate with all persons and families of those affected, in any way, by the recent crisis in the area.

In view of the fact that both communities have always lived in peace and harmony over the years, arising from many years of inter-marriages, association and inter-dependence between both communities, such that we cannot really distinguish an Abraka Son or Daughter that has no links with Obiaruku or vice versa, we would like to see this relationship fostered and developed so we can live in peace and harmony among ourselves.

Those present at the joint Abraka/Obiaruku (UK) meeting were as follows:

Abraka Community:

Mr Atiene Aghegho …………………………………..

Mr Akporhonor Ekure ………………………………..

Mr Joseph Emaniru ………………………………….

Mr Felix Enamuotor ……………………………… …

Mr Vincent Eghwurudje ………..……………………..

Mrs Clara Isiorho ……………………..………………

Obiaruku Community:

Chief Mrs Catherine Eriemo ……………………………

Mr Gideon Ishiekwene ………………………………….

Mr Tony Ishiekwene ………………………… ……….

Mrs Janet Emencheta ……………………………………

Mr Bob Akpotohwo …………………………………….

 

Sensible Communities