FG To Demarcate Ebonyi And Benue Boundary To Avert Further Killings

ABAKALIKI—THE Federal Government through the

National Boundary Commission, NBC at weekend, said it

was putting modalities in place to ensure proper and

lasting demarcation of disputed lands affecting the

boundary communities along Ebonyi and Benue states.

It also expressed worries over the wanton destruction of

lives and properties along the border communities since

the outbreak of violence within the affected areas.

The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed

Ahmed stated this during a Joint Enlightenment

Campaign of communities along the Benue/Ebonyi

interstate boundary in Ohaukwu and Ebonyi local

government areas of the state.

The DG who thanked representatives of both Ebonyi/

Benue state governments for accepting to tow the path of

peace towards the resolution of the boundary disputes

existing between them observed that the lingering

disputes were consequent upon the inordinate ambition

of some members of the affected communities to amass

lands without recourse to instituted laws and authorities.

According to him, after the necessary stages of the joint

enlightenment campaigns by the affected states and

setting up of peace committees by the LGAs, the affected

lands would be demarcated by the Commission for a

permanent resolution of crisis in the areas.

He further appealed to politicians, government

appointees, clerics, traditional rulers, youths and

indigenes of both states to live in peace even as he

emphasized the sacredness of human life.

In their separate remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi

state, Dr. Eric Igwe represented by the State Attorney

General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon.

Augustine Nwankwegu and his counter part from Benue

state represented by the Special Adviser, SA on Lands,

Prof Jonathan Uever expressed optimism in the peace

process led by the NBC and urged the affected

communities to maintain peace and order for the interest

of all.

They expressed hope that the demarcation of the

affected boundary line would foster and restore bilateral

relations, trade and marriages and goodwill that had

once existed between both states.