The Deputy Governors of Enugu and Anambra states have
visited the disputed border towns of Awba-Ofemili and Ibite-Olo, expressing displeasure
over the inability of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to fulfill its
mandate since 1991, reports ITRealms.
Speaking Wednesday, the duo of deputy governors of Enugu
State, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo and Dr. Nkem Okeke expressed concern over the
brewing dispute between the two border communities, one in each is located of
the states.
Also, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the
people of Ibite Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Awba-Ofemili
in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra have been at daggers drawn.
This was due to the non-delineation of the border of the
communities by the National Boundary Commission since Enugu State was created
out of Anambra in 1991.
Enugu State Deputy Governor, Cecelia Ezeilo, said that the
inaction of the NBC had become worrisome.
Ezeilo said this while addressing people of the two
communities in their separate enclaves when a delegation from the two state
governments visited the disputed area.
She said that the matter was now beyond the two state
governments, adding that only the NBC could resolve it.
She said: “This case has been on for long but if you know
how peaceful you had lived before the crisis erupted, you should maintain it.
“The NBC will be coming in the next two or three months to
demarcate the boundary.”
The deputy governor appealed to the two communities to
sheath their swords and stop the arson, maiming and reported kidnap of farmers
in the area.
Ezeilo said that the two state governments would not
hesitate to punish anyone found instigating further crisis.
Also, Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, said
that the state government was interested in any move that would usher peace in the
volatile area.
Okeke said that the ongoing destruction of property and
kidnap cases would do no one any good.
He said: “We had earlier set up a seven-man committee on
both sides but it has not been able to handle the situation.
“Instead, kidnapping, maiming and arson have been the order
of the day. We are here to clear our conscience and have ordered the Police to
take charge.”
He reiterated that the matter was beyond what both states
could handle.
“The NBC will be here to demarcate the boundary. We
are not happy with the report of kidnapping here.”
ITREALMS recalls that property in the farm settlement have been burnt due to the crisis.
Ozo Nweke Ozo with agency reports/GEE
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