ENUGU AND ANAMBRA STATES TAKE STEP TO SOLVE BOUNDARY PROBLEM

Governments of Enugu and Anambra States have expressed worry over boundary dispute between two border communities in the areas.

The communities, Ibite-Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Awba Ofemmiri in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have been in conflict over non-definition of borders by National Boundary Commission since creation of Enugu State out of Anambra in 1991.

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo who addressed people of the two communities in their separate enclaves when a delegation from the two states visited the disputed area, said non definition of the border by the Commission had become worrisome as it had resulted in crisis between the two communities.

The Deputy Governor appealed to the people to sheath their swords and stop the on-going arson, maiming and reported kidnapping of farmers that had been going on in the area.

Also the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke said government was interested in any move that would usher peace in the volatile area.

The recent crisis in the area has led to loss of property worth millions of naira despite setting up of a seven man committee to look into the matter.

CHUKWUMA EZEOGU