FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the longstanding boundary dispute between communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area and the neighbouring Owerre-Ezukala Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, declaring that no portion of Abia land will be ceded to any other state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and representatives of border communities, including Umuaku and Ezioba in Umunneochi, the Deputy Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Otti remains resolute in ensuring the completion of the interstate boundary demarcation exercise in accordance with existing Supreme Court judgments and directives of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
Emetu disclosed that the Abia-Anambra interstate boundary spans approximately 23 kilometres, with 15 kilometres already delineated and about eight kilometres remaining to be demarcated.
He announced that the National Boundary Commission has scheduled a joint interstate meeting for July 1 and 2, 2026, in Awka, Anambra State, to conclude the exercise and foster lasting peace in the affected communities.
The Deputy Governor stressed the importance of respecting Supreme Court judgments, noting that the Abia State Government would continue to pursue lawful and peaceful means in resolving the dispute.
According to him, boundary demarcation is primarily an administrative exercise and should not be viewed as an attempt to dispossess anyone of their homes, lands or means of livelihood.
“Boundaries are for administration and not for division. We are all Nigerians. The demarcation exercise will not take away anybody’s house or means of livelihood.
What is important is that the rule of law must prevail and the Supreme Court judgment must be respected,” Emetu stated.
He further revealed that the state government is considering infrastructure projects along the disputed corridor, including the rehabilitation of access roads leading to the boundary communities, as part of efforts to strengthen government presence and stimulate socio-economic development.
Commending residents of the affected communities for maintaining peace despite years of disagreement, Emetu urged them to continue cooperating with government authorities and security agencies.
Drawing from biblical teachings on peaceful coexistence, he emphasized that peace remains essential for development, investment and economic prosperity.
“Security is everybody’s business.
No parcel of land is worth the blood of any citizen. We must continue to pursue peace and dialogue while protecting the legitimate interests of our people,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, urged stakeholders to provide factual information that would assist government efforts toward achieving a lasting solution to the dispute.
He reiterated the administration’s determination to address inherited boundary challenges through dialogue, collaboration and adherence to due process.
Earlier, the Lead Consultant to the Abia State Boundary Committee, Sir Chris Nwanevo, traced the origins of the dispute to the colonial era, noting that the matter had passed through several judicial processes before a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 1972 defined the disputed territory based on historical provincial boundaries.
Nwanevo explained that previous efforts by the National Boundary Commission to complete the demarcation had been hampered by resistance from some stakeholders, resulting in recurring tensions and disputes over land ownership and farming activities.
He expressed optimism that the forthcoming interstate meeting would provide an opportunity to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre stretch and conclude the entire Abia-Anambra boundary delineation process.
The Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afuruobi, commended the state government for its commitment to resolving boundary issues affecting the area and pledged the support of the local government in achieving a peaceful outcome.
Community leaders from Umuaku, Ezioba and Amaogbu communities, including Barr. Emmanuel Pius, Barr. Hilary Chukwugozirim and Hon. Ekpere Achara, also expressed support for the completion of the demarcation exercise while raising concerns over alleged encroachment, illegal land sales, destruction of boundary markers and attempts to obstruct the work of survey teams.
The stakeholders unanimously called for enhanced security during the exercise and urged the National Boundary Commission to complete the installation of boundary beacons to prevent future disputes and ensure lasting peace along the Abia-Anambra border.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
23/06/2026.
