The governments of Abia and Akwa Ibom states have called on the people of Umuhaba in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and Usaka Nto Akan in Obot Akara Local Government Area of both states to give peace a chance in a bid to find a lasting solution to its land disputes between the two villages.
The Deputy Governors of both states, Ude Okochukwu and Moses Ekpo made the appeal at the boundary meeting held with both communities.
Speaking at the meeting held at the boundary location between Abia and Akwa Ibom states, the Deputy Governors, Ude Okochukwu and Moses Ekpo called on the warring communities to give peace a peace.
They emphasized that both states are brothers and should not be seen to be on opposing sides.
While describing the conflicts as disheartening they both reminded the communities that “no struggle or piece of land” is worth the life of anyone”.
The Boundary committee chairmen of both states explained that the meeting was to ensure that both parties maintain peace.
They also assured that they will do all within their capacities to ensure that the National Boundary Commission quickly intervenes with the demarcation of the land to allow sustainable peace in the areas.
The traditional rulers of both communities, HRM Etuekon Williamson and HRH Eze P.O Ogbonna who also spoke on the land conflicts, called for peace.
While HRM Williamson insists that the people of Umuhaba in Obingwa Local Government encroached into their land up to the “otamiri River”, Eze Ogbonna maintained that the land belongs to the people of Umuhuaba as he presented the land documents as evidence to back up his claim.
They both however, agreed that peace was the panacea to the existing problem.
The Deputy Governors called for the collaboration and corporation of both parties to ensure a lasting solution to the crisis.
