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The Abia State Government has adopted a different approach to resolve land disputes among communities in the state.
Addressing representatives of Olokoro Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Amaba Oboro in Ikwuano LGA and Lodu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA in his office during the submission of evidence of claims and counterclaims to the Boundary Committee, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu said the government is planning to take over the lands in dispute to set up cocoa estates in the state.
“The state government plans to set up six new cocoa estates across the state and would take over boundary areas where there are still cases of loss of lives and properties for the purposes.”
He assured the warring communities that the Boundary Committee would critically look at submissions and that any community that failed to abide by decision of the boundary Committee would have such disputed lands forfeited to the government.
Engineer Emetu who is also the Chairman of the Boundary Committee reiterated the political willingness of Governor Otti’s administration to take tough decisions that previous administrations in the avoided, adding that the present government does not want the persistent perennial internal boundary conflicts to continue, and would want to take a firm decision as she grapples with the boundary problems with sister states.
The number two citizen of Abia State reminded the communities that they were brothers and Abians, and that they should ensure truth in arguing the issues of ownership while emphasizing the neutrality in the boundary crisis and directed the traditional rulers of the affected communities to remain law abiding and respect the rule of law as well as to remember that all would one day die and abandon the struggle of ownership of the disputed areas.
At the meeting, the representatives of Amaba Oboro Community led by Eze Emmanuel O’tuwa and the Secretary-General of Oboro Ikwuano, Sir Kingsley Nkume, presented their claims and also gave a brief history of the land in dispute.
Also, the Lodu Ndume Ibeku Community, led by Eze Ibe Aguiyi, presented their document/claims, including a judgement secured in their favour at the last Abia Assembly another court judgement document.
On their side, Olokoro Community representatives led by Eze Linus Onuoha as well presented their documents to the Committee.
Some notable individuals that were part of the meeting included Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bar. Chijioke Nwankwo, leaders from the communities, among others.
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