Abia Boundary Committee Insists On Documents, Court Judgments In Resolving Land Disputes

The Abia State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Ikechukwu Emetu, has reaffirmed that the committee resolves boundary and land disputes strictly through verified records, historical documents, and court judgments.

Engr. Emetu stated this during a conciliatory meeting between Ebem Village and Ozu Abam Community held at the Conference Room of the Office of the Deputy Governor, Government House, Umuahia.

He stressed that the Boundary Committee remains committed to fairness, justice, and lasting peace by relying on legally recognised documents and factual evidence in determining ownership of disputed lands.

“We deal with facts, documents, and court judgments in determining the true owners of disputed lands,” Emetu said, while urging both communities to sustain dialogue and maintain peaceful coexistence.

The Deputy Governor further noted that the Abia State Government would continue to encourage reconciliation and lawful conflict resolution instead of violence or acts of self-help.

Speaking on behalf of the Ebem community, Barrister Anaga Kalu and Mr. Idika Ike Onwuka alleged that renewed encroachment on the disputed land by some individuals had increased tension in recent years despite earlier government interventions and reconciliation efforts.

According to the Ebem representatives, the dispute dates back to a colonial court judgment delivered in 1932 and later upheld by the Provincial Appeal Court in Calabar in 1934, which reportedly led to the demarcation of the boundary with beacons.

They maintained that the community had consistently embraced peaceful means by reporting developments to government authorities and security agencies rather than resorting to violence.

Also speaking, Mr. Orji Udo Igwe, representing the Ozu Abam Community, said the leadership of the community remained committed to peaceful settlement and had already initiated internal reconciliation mechanisms before the matter was brought before the state government.

He added that traditional rulers, elders, women, and youth groups within the community were united in their commitment to peace and mutual understanding.The meeting ended with renewed calls for restraint, cooperation, and peaceful engagement from both communities as the state government intensifies efforts toward achieving a lasting resolution of the dispute.

Amah Ijeoma

FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor

22/05/2026