Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim has sued for peaceful resolution among communities embroiled in boundary disputes in the state.
Dr. Ibezim made the call at the State Boundary Committee meeting held at Government House, Awka.
Dr. Ibezim who is also the Chairman, Anambra State Boundary Committee frowned at the number of boundary disputes in the state but stressed that his committee is deeply committed to resolving them.
Revealing the eagerness of the state boundary technical team in bringing lasting solution to land disputes, he noted that the committee’s target is to settle protracted land disputes amongst communities and enthrone peace across the state before the end of next year.
Ibezim called for peaceful co-habitation among communities, noting that conflict is never an option, rather would hinder development and progress.
According to him, Governor Soludo is doing a lot in attracting investors to the state but no investor would be interested in investing in anarchy no matter how attractive the business is.
He disclosed that the team would by next year embark on delineation of disputed areas and establish monument on boundaries, in order to avert future disputes.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye explained that the small land mass of Anambra State is partly responsible fot the high number of boundary disputes across the state.
Mr Okoye further recommended prioritization of peace education and advocacy by conducting constant conferences, trainings and seminars on peace and conflict resolution for communities especially the youthful population and other stakeholders.
In a remark, the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Umuonyia, Igwe Peter Ezeamma emphasized the need for the waring communities to give peace a chance, reminding them that peaceful settlement of issues especially land related issues is key. He pointed out that disputes disrupt development, scares investors away, and above all leads to preventable destruction of life and properties.
During the meeting, members of some communities in boundary disputes in the state including Amudo Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area and Egbeagu/Okukwa Amansea in Awka North, as well as Abba, Ukpo and Ukwulu communities in Dunukofia Council Area were invited.
On behalf of their communities they gave their consent on the decision of the state government to delineate the boundaries and establish monuments on them. However, the representative of Abba community disagreed with the government’s request that they accept the olive branch extended to them by their neighbours, claiming that Abba community has series of court case against Ukpo on their disputed boundary.
