ONITSHA  – Villagers, mainly young and adults from Ezi- Nkwelle Village, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State at the weekend held a thanksgiving service to God in appreciation for the peace in the village and the community.

Immediately after the service, which was held at St. Williams Catholic Church, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, relations, friends and associates of the community converged at the residence of the village head and chairman, Ezi-Nkwelle Village, Ogbuefi Willie Okafor, for a reception.

Speaking to the press at the event, Okafor said that the village members decided to organize the event to appreciate God for sustaining peace which had eluded the village and community in the past.

He outlined that it was a double celebration as God declined to grant detractors the opportunity of throwing the village and entire community into turmoil following an allegation by persons he described as “disgruntled elements” who levelled false allegations against his leadership that kidnappers were operating a camp at a location called “Edobani Forest” in the community.

The community leader, who frowned at such “frivolous allegation” said it would have spelt doom for the community if the allegation was found to be true as the state government through its task force against kidnapping and sundry crimes, had carried out thorough investigations and discovered that the allegation was false.

Okafor noted that the community and its leadership would continue to appreciate Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the state taskforce against kidnapping and sundry crimes for their interest and commitment to rid the state of violent crimes.

He further commended youths of the community for not allowing themselves to be used to foment trouble in the area as evidence has shown that some people thrive in time of crisis.

He maintained the stance of the entire community and its leadership to live by example by exposing criminals and their activities in the vicinity.