FIC Report (Abia State) – The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, who doubles as the State Chairman of the Boundary Committee has called for peaceful resolution of boundary disputes among communities while categorically stating that community boundary disputes in Abia state will be settled amicably with reference to documents and archives available.
He disclosed this in a meeting with the traditional rulers and leaders of Amaba, Lodu and Olokoro community at the Conference Hall, Government House, Umuahia.
Engr Emetu stated that the purpose of the meeting is to look into a complain made by Amaba community on the encroachment into their land by lodu community. He pointed out that Abia State share boundary with seven states and that the inability to settle intra-community boundary issues will make it even hard to settle inter-state boundary issues.
In his words, boundaries are man-made, Legislative areas should be identified and respected. Let us solve our boundary problem nationally and other enabling development will follow”.
He implored each aggrieved party to embrace peaceful resolution Stressing that the Government of Dr Alex Otti is a government that is interested in allowing truth prevails, hence it will consult maps, archives and documents available in settling the disputes.
While speaking in the meeting, the representative of Amaba Community HRM king Emmanuel Otuwa appreciated the Deputy Governor for giving them audience and revealed that the land dispute between Amaba community and lodu since 2018 seem to have lingered because of the selfish interest of stakeholders interested in the land in question.
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He pleaded with the Deputy Governor to look into the matter as the land in question belongs to Amaba.
In reaction, the representative of lodu Community ,his HRM Eze Donatus Aguiyi Ofomdi 1 of Ndume stated that there was no misunderstanding or dispute among the Communities that is worthy of note as they are all one .He however noted that they are ready to embrace peace and do whatever is needed to settle the disputes and grievances.
The meeting was adjoined to next week Tuesday, 18th February 2025, with emphasis on the need for each party to bring documents that will support their claims.
Signed
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent Deputy Governor’s office
