In a remarkable show of remorse and reconciliation, women of Abor-Isiala Autonomous Community, Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government, Enugu State, have apologised to their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Philimon Obeagu, community leaders, and the Council Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government, Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu, over their March 2025 protest.
It will be recalled that the women, during the protest which nearly disrupted activities in the area, stormed the Isi-Uzo Council Headquarters, Ikem, where they destroyed property belonging to their traditional ruler.
They also attacked businesses and residences of some community leaders, locking up shops and houses.
However, in a dramatic turnaround, the women, visibly emotional, tendered unreserved apologies at the weekend, admitting they were misinformed and misled. They further acknowledged that both the Council Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah had, in fact, done a lot to address the challenges facing their community.
At a reconciliation event held at Umujiovu, Abor-Isiala, the women went on their knees in tears, pleading with Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu and HRH Igwe Philimon Obeagu for forgiveness.
“Our Igwe and our son, Obiora, we are sorry. Our Council Chairman has done a lot in addressing our security challenges, constructing bridges and roads, and addressing community matters. We also acknowledge the efforts of our governor and the many projects he is doing or has proposed for our community.
“The truth is that we were agitated by the things we were told. And given what we had suffered in the past, we could not control our emotions because we felt frustrated. But as fathers and son, we want to sincerely seek your forgiveness,” spokesperson and leader of the women, Mrs. Sarah Agu, said.
Speaking at the event, the priest-in-charge of Methodist Church, Abor Eha-Ohuala Circuit, Very Reverend Okpuru Gideon, reminded the women of their responsibility to respect authorities and pray for leaders, stressing that their protest went beyond acceptable limits.
He urged them to embrace peace, seek genuine forgiveness, and work in harmony with government authorities for the progress of their communities.
Also speaking, the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Abor, Eha-Amufu, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mama, emphasised the virtues of peace, true remorse, and forgiveness.
In his response, Barr. Obeagu expressed deep emotions at the women’s humility and acknowledged their courage in retracing their steps. He thanked God for the reconciliation and reassured the community that his administration remained committed to serving the people.
He said the March protest was a clear example of the dangers of propaganda, describing it as an evil that brings no good.
The Council Chairman recalled that despite his earlier appeal at the Council Headquarters in Ikem, some individuals had instigated the protest to disrupt the progress of Eha-Amufu. He condemned such acts as works of those opposed to peace and development.
He highlighted several programmes by both the Mbah administration and Isi-Uzo Local Government Council aimed at tackling insecurity and fostering development in Mgbuji, Abor-Isiala, and surrounding areas.
The completed and ongoing projects in Eha-Ohuala listed include the 21.7 km Agape-Agu Mgbuji-Ogbete Road, a Smart Green School, two healthcare facilities, the Ebe Umuogiri Bridge construction, and a farm estate project. He also stated that Governor Peter Mbah has commenced the process of supporting farmers to return to their farmhouses in farm settlements with sustainable security.
He assured the people that any programmes temporarily slowed by the protest would now proceed as planned.
In his remarks, HRH Igwe Philimon Obeagu expressed gratitude to the body of priests and clergy in Abor-Isiala for spearheading the peace effort and urged the community to work closely with the government.
He commended Hon. Obeagu for his forgiving heart and his commitment to bringing lasting solutions to the challenges facing his people.
The reconciliation event ended on a note of joy, relief, and renewed hope for unity and progress in Abor-Isiala, Eha-Ohuala, Eha-Amufu, and the entire Isi-Uzo.
