ANAMBRA STATE BOUNDARY COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE UMUOBA ANAM AND EZIAGULU-OTU AGULERI BOUNDARY DISPUTE
By Chisom Okpala :
The Anambra State Boundary Committee has waded in to resolve the ongoing boundary crisis between Umuoba Anam and Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri both in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State.
The Boundary Committee chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim held a meeting with the leadership of both communities to discuss and probably proffer solution to the ongoing boundary dispute.
Addressing them at the State House Awka, Dr. Ibezim urged the communities to embrace truth, stressed that peaceful resolution could only be achieved through mutual understanding.
He, then, charged the community leaders to be peace ambassadors at their various communities, to ensure peace and harmony among the people of Umuoba Anam and Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri as neighbours.
Deputy Governor Ibezim further warned against any sort of activities going on at the disputed areas as government will not hesitate to punish any party that constitutes threats to the security of lives and property in the state.
Speaking, the Traditional Ruler of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri, HRH, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia raised concern over the insistent use of arms and ammunition by the people of Umuoba Anam and blocking of their market road as this pose a threat to the safety of his people.
On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Umuoba Anam, HRM, Igwe George Ekealor made known that the conflict originated from a water source for fishing that had been temporarily allocated to their rival community for farming purposes. He also revealed that the matter had already been taken to court and judgement in their favour.
In their respective remarks, the Mayor of Anambra East, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, and a former Member of the State House of Assembly that represented Anambra East, Hon Obinna Emenaka commended the state government intervention on the matter as well as promised to contribute their quota to ensure that peace returns in the area.
Others in attendance include, Presidents-General of both communities, and SSA to the Governor on Boundary Affairs (Office of the Deputy Governor), Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye. Both parties were tasked to present their evidence before the State Boundary Committee for resolution.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State