FG set to demarcate Ebonyi/Benue boundary to avert further killings

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.