Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has ordered the release of thirty one teenagers arrested with arms in the war torn Effium community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State.
He stated this during the swearing in ceremony of Justice Paul Awada as a Judge of Customary Court of Appeal at Government House, Abakaliki.
Governor Umahi noted that the children were caught in action while some were in possession of AK47 rifles noting that the decision to release them was due to the return of normalcy to the warring community.
Governor Umahi alleged that the children were recruited by the stakeholders of the community.
He attributed the delay to the swearing in of the Judge to the lingering crisis considering that he hails from the area.
Justice Awada expressed appreciations to the state government for finding him worthy to serve and promised to dispense justice to all without fear or favour.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Kelechi Igwe visited the National Correctional Centre and State Remand Home all in Abakaliki where he assured the children that they would soon be released.