NEWS
Abia Insists No Territory Will Be Ceded as Government Intensifies Efforts to Resolve Umunneochi Boundary Dispute
The Abia State Government has restated its unwavering commitment to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the long-standing boundary dispute involving communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area and the neighbouring Owerre-Ezukala Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, assuring residents that no portion of Abia land will be surrendered to any neighbouring state.
The assurance was given during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government, which brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives and stakeholders from affected border communities, including Umuaku and Ezioba in Umunneochi.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the determination of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to ensure the successful completion of the interstate boundary demarcation exercise in accordance with extant Supreme Court judgments and directives issued by the National Boundary Commission.
Emetu explained that the Abia-Anambra interstate boundary covers approximately 23 kilometres, revealing that about 15 kilometres have already been successfully delineated, while the remaining eight kilometres are yet to be demarcated.
According to him, the National Boundary Commission has fixed July 1 and 2, 2026, for a crucial joint interstate meeting in Awka, Anambra State, where efforts would be made to conclude the demarcation process and establish lasting peace among the affected communities.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the rule of law remains paramount in the resolution of the dispute, stressing that all parties must respect existing Supreme Court judgments on the matter. He maintained that the Abia State Government would continue to pursue lawful and peaceful approaches in protecting the interests of its citizens while ensuring compliance with judicial pronouncements.
Addressing concerns among residents, Emetu clarified that boundary delineation is purely an administrative exercise and should not be interpreted as an attempt to dispossess individuals of their ancestral homes, farmlands or sources of livelihood.
“Boundaries are for administration and not for division. We are all Nigerians. The demarcation exercise will not take away anybody’s house or means of livelihood. What is important is that the rule of law must prevail and the Supreme Court judgment must be respected,” Engr. Emetu said.
In a move aimed at strengthening government presence and accelerating development in the area, the Deputy Governor disclosed that the state government is considering critical infrastructure projects along the disputed corridor, including the rehabilitation of access roads leading to the boundary communities.
He commended residents of the affected communities for maintaining relative peace despite years of disagreements and tensions, urging them to continue supporting government efforts and cooperating with security agencies throughout the demarcation process.
Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings on peaceful coexistence, Emetu stressed that peace remains indispensable for development, investment and economic prosperity.
“Security is everybody’s business. No parcel of land is worth the blood of any citizen.
“We must continue to pursue peace and dialogue while protecting the legitimate interests of our people,” he stated.
Also speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, called on stakeholders to focus on factual information and constructive engagement that would assist government in achieving a permanent and sustainable resolution of the dispute.
He reiterated the resolve of the Alex Otti administration to tackle inherited boundary challenges through dialogue, collaboration and adherence to established legal processes.
Providing a historical perspective on the dispute, the Lead Consultant to the Abia State Boundary Committee, Sir Chris Nwanevo, traced the origins of the disagreement to the colonial era. He explained that the matter had undergone several judicial processes before the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in 1972, defining the disputed territory based on historical provincial boundaries.
Nwanevo noted that previous attempts by the National Boundary Commission to conclude the demarcation exercise had encountered resistance from certain stakeholders, resulting in recurring tensions, disputes over land ownership and clashes linked to agricultural activities in the area.
Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that the forthcoming interstate meeting in Awka would provide a final opportunity to resolve the outstanding eight-kilometre stretch and bring the entire Abia-Anambra boundary delineation exercise to a successful conclusion.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunday Afurobi, applauded the Abia State Government for demonstrating genuine commitment toward resolving the boundary issues affecting communities within the council area.
He pledged the full support of the local government administration in ensuring a peaceful and successful outcome of the exercise.
Community leaders from Umuaku, Ezioba and Amaogbu communities, including Barr. Emmanuel Pius, Barr. Hilary Chukwugozirim and Hon. Ekpere Achara, also voiced their support for the completion of the demarcation process.
While expressing confidence in the government’s efforts, they raised concerns over alleged encroachment on disputed lands, illegal land transactions, destruction of existing boundary markers and attempts by some individuals to obstruct the work of survey teams engaged in the exercise.
The stakeholders unanimously called for increased security presence during the final phase of the demarcation exercise and urged the National Boundary Commission to complete the installation of boundary beacons to prevent future disputes and ensure lasting peace between the neighbouring communities.
The meeting underscored the Abia State Government’s determination to resolve the decades-old dispute through dialogue, legal compliance and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining its firm position that no part of Abia ter
ritory will be ceded under any circumstance.