By Innocent Igelle
The Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche, has undertaken a decisive and strategic peace mission across three key communities in a single day, reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence and unwavering commitment to unity. The Chairman’s visit, aimed at restoring calm and strengthening harmony among the people; particularly across Ezza, Apa, and Agila communities in the wake of recent disturbances in the Apa-Ubgozu community. Deeply saddened by the disruption, the Council Boss moved swiftly to de-escalate tensions and reassert the primacy of peace across the Local Government.
In what can best be described as a bold and proactive intervention, the Chairman visited Apa, Ijigban, and Ezza communities in one fell swoop. This high-level engagement follows recent hostilities between Ezza and Apa communities, which undermined the fragile peace earlier secured through intensive stakeholder dialogues within his first one hundred days in office. Those efforts had brought rare stability to areas plagued by conflict for over five decades, making the recent relapse both unacceptable and a serious setback to collective progress.
Addressing stakeholders across the three communities, Engr. Oche delivered a firm and uncompromising message: peace is non-negotiable. He reaffirmed the rights of all residents to coexist freely within Ado Local Government, while emphasising the importance of respecting boundaries and engaging in ongoing dialogue to prevent conflict. The Chairman placed clear responsibility on traditional rulers and institutions, urging them to rise decisively to their roles as custodians of order. He warned that any breakdown of law and order within their domains would be viewed as a failure of leadership and would no longer be tolerated, calling for renewed diligence and accountability in safeguarding peace.
The Chairman was accompanied by key government functionaries, including the Leader of the Ado Legislative House, Hon. Agbo Adadu; the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Felix Achadu; the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Justice Ogaba; the Security Adviser to the Chairman, Hon. Attah Echo; the Councillor Representing Apa Ward, Hon. Queen Oganya Attah; the Principal Staff Officer to the Chairman, Hon. Innocent Agasi; the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Services, Hon. Aunty Ejeh; the Chief Protocol Officer; House of Assembly hopeful, Hon. Moses Onumah; another House of Assembly hopeful, Hon. Pastor Aboh Okibe; and the Ado APC Youth Leader, Hon. Kelvin Ojor Ogbu among others. Their presence underscored the seriousness of the government’s coordinated response to the emerging security concerns.
Reacting to what appeared to be a breach of earlier commitments by some stakeholders, the Chairman described the resurgence of hostilities as a grave betrayal of trust and a dangerous reversal of hard-earned gains. He cautioned against actions capable of dragging communities back into cycles of violence, emphasising that the government will not condone any attempt to derail the peace process. While expressing disappointment, he welcomed renewed assurances from community leaders who pledged to sheathe their swords and support ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Engr. Oche called on all aggrieved parties to channel their grievances through lawful and established mechanisms, warning unequivocally that taking the law into one’s hands would attract strict consequences. He reiterated that ignorance of the law is no excuse and assured that justice will be applied fairly and firmly, irrespective of status or influence within the communities.
Amid ongoing investigations into the root causes of the disturbances within the Apa Ogbozu axis, the Chairman’s visits served as both a fact-finding mission and a confidence-building initiative. The communities received him warmly, expressing renewed trust in his leadership and commitment to their welfare. He reassured residents of his administration’s readiness to respond promptly to threats to peace and urged collective responsibility in sustaining order across all communities.
Traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community members turned out in large numbers to receive the Chairman and his entourage. Their overwhelming response reflected a deep sense of relief, as fears were calmed and hope rekindled. The visit has reinvigorated confidence in the peace process and reaffirmed the shared desire for stability, development, and coexistence in Ado Local Government.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle, cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman
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