Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has directed the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunday Nduka Afurobi, to immediately commence consultations and sensitisation campaigns in communities affected by the Abia/Anambra interstate boundary dispute ahead of the proposed demarcation exercise by the National Boundary Commission.
Speaking during an interface meeting between the Abia State Boundary Committee and officials of Umunneochi LGA at the Conference Room of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House, Umuahia, Engr. Emetu said the renewed effort by the National Boundary Commission was aimed at concluding the unresolved eight-kilometre stretch of the Abia/Anambra boundary demarcation exercise initiated in 2018.
The Deputy Governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Abia State Boundary Committee, said the unresolved sectors involving Ezioba, Umuaku, and neighbouring communities in Anambra State remain sensitive issues requiring effective administrative coordination, community cooperation, and adequate security support.
According to him, the Abia State Government is determined to ensure that the exercise is conducted peacefully, lawfully, and without unnecessary tension.
Emetu noted that the local government administration occupies a strategic position as the closest arm of government to the grassroots and must therefore take the lead in mobilising traditional rulers, presidents-general, youth leaders, and other stakeholders in the affected communities.
He emphasised that the boundary demarcation exercise should not be viewed as a struggle for territorial control, but as a constitutional and administrative process designed to promote peace, security, certainty, and harmonious coexistence among neighbouring communities.
“The people must understand that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of persistent dispute and hostility,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He charged the council chairman to intensify sensitisation efforts capable of calming fears, discouraging misinformation, and preventing acts that could frustrate the proposed field exercise.
Emetu further directed that communities should cooperate fully with officials of the Boundary Committee, the National Boundary Commission, and security agencies whenever the exercise commences, while also demanding regular updates on security developments and community sentiments from the council authorities.
He warned that the state government would not tolerate acts of obstruction, provocation, or incitement capable of undermining the peace process, stressing that the success of the exercise depends greatly on the cooperation and maturity of community leaders and stakeholders.
Responding, the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunday Nduka Afurobi, described the renewed intervention by the government as timely and necessary, noting that boundary disputes across the area have continued to pose serious security and administrative challenges.
Afurobi said Umunneochi shares boundaries with several neighbouring states, exposing residents to security threats and repeated disputes over land and mineral-rich territories.
He disclosed that previous efforts had been made to engage neighbouring communities and local government authorities in peace discussions aimed at fostering coexistence and reducing recurring clashes associated with boundary disagreements.
The council chairman expressed optimism that proper boundary delineation and sustained dialogue among the affected communities would enhance peace, improve security, and stimulate development in the area.
