Abia State Government has said that it is determined to end a 70-year- old land dispute between the Amabiaelu autonomous community, Umuhuezechi and Ohumala/Amoji autonomous community, Igbere, in Bende LGA.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Ikechukwu Emetu, gave the assurance in Umuahia when he held a conciliatory meeting for leaders of the two autonomous communities.
Emetu, who is the Chairman of the Abia State boundary committee, said the state government was deeply concerned about the preservation of peace, security and harmonious coexistence among communities in the state.
He noted that the Utuka land, which is in dispute, dating back to the 1950s, had gone through various judicial processes up to the Supreme Court, creating tension and divisions between neighbouring communities for generations.
According to him, while the government respects the judgments delivered by competent courts, including that of the Supreme Court, the Abia State boundary committee would not sit as an appellate body but a peace-building and conciliatory mechanism aimed at reducing tension and preventing violence.
“No piece of land is more valuable than human life. No disagreement should degenerate into hostility, destruction or bloodshed,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He urged indigenes of the two communities to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect, stressing that the Abia State government would not tolerate any action capable of threatening public peace and security.
Also Speaking, the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Bassey Uwabunkonye, expressed concern over the recurring security reports arising from the dispute.
Speaking at the peace meeting, the President General of Ohumola/Amoji autonomous community, Igbere, Obike Imo Mascot, said the communities had approached the government to properly demarcate the disputed land and erect boundary pillars to enable peaceful coexistence.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Umuhu Ezechi, Eze Chigaemeze Onwuchekwa, welcomed the government’s intervention and called for fairness and justice in resolving the dispute amicably.
