To ensure the proper mapping and delineation of the boundary between the Ugwueke community of Bende LGA and their Akaeze neighbors of Ebonyi State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr kechukwu Emetu has revealed that Government is working out modalities to liaise with the National Boundary Commission.
Engr Emetu who stated this during a courtesy visit by the Ugwueke Community of Bende LGA on him at the Government House, Umuahia disclosed that Abia Technical Team will be at Abuja in the next two weeks to interface with the National Boundary Commission’s Technical Team handling the Abia and Akwa Ibom State boundary issues and in extension also look into the Abia and Ebonyi State boundary skirmishes.
The Deputy Governor promised to further liaise with his Ebonyi State counterpart in a week’s time to restrain the Akaeze youths from encroaching on the Ugwueke Land and stop the destruction of agricultural crops, pending the resolution of the crisis by the NBC, in addition to ensuring that there is security presence in the area in contention.
He reiterates that the Dr Alex Otti’s administration is determined to not only ensure peaceful coexistence between Abia and their sister States sharing boundaries with them as according to him, the era of communities having boundary issues with each other is no longer acceptable.
Engr Emetu who is also the Chairman Abia State Boundary Committe assured that Government will not shy away from doing everything within its power to bring lasting solutions to all the boundary disputes confronting the State and thanked the Traditional Rulers of Ugwueke for the wisdom they have so far exhibited in keeping peace in their various domains.
Presenting an address on behalf of the Ugwueke Development Union and the Traditional Rulers, the Vice President, Chief Mike Ogwo said they came to officially inform Government of the persistent boundary disputes between their community an their Akaeze neighbors of Ebonyi State which have led to incessant attacks and destruction of their agricultural crops despite peace efforts initiated by their Traditional Rulers and previous Government of both States.
Contributing also, the Traditional Ruler of Amokai Ugwueke autonomous community, Eze Gilbert Chukwu who congratulated Governor Alex Otti and his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu on their resounding victory as well as commended them for proving that they have enough capacity to ensure the enthronement of good governance for the development of the State and appealed to Government to urgently come to their rescue in providing lasting solution to their boundary problems.
