The long-standing border dispute between Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State and Obot Akara LGA in Akwa Ibom State has once again erupted in violence, claiming the life of a 38-year-old man from Ariam Usaka community in Ikwuano. The tragic incident, sparked by a search party looking for a previously kidnapped youth, highlights the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the conflict centered on the contested Ndurukpe farmland. Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, has assured the affected communities that concrete steps are being taken at the highest levels to address the recurring crisis. He personally visited the grieving family and conveyed the Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution.
Following the Senator’s report of the latest incident, Senate President Akpabio immediately established a dedicated team to investigate the root causes of the persistent clashes and formulate a plan for peaceful coexistence. This proactive approach underscores the seriousness with which the Senate is treating the matter and offers a glimmer of hope for a lasting resolution. The team’s mandate is to delve into the historical, social, and political factors fueling the conflict, paving the way for sustainable peace. This comprehensive approach aims to address not just the immediate violence but also the underlying tensions that perpetuate the cycle of conflict.
Senator Akobundu’s efforts extend beyond high-level interventions. He has initiated collaborative discussions with key stakeholders, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, and Hon. Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency. This cross-border legislative dialogue is crucial for building consensus and fostering a spirit of cooperation between the affected communities. By bringing together representatives from both sides of the divide, Senator Akobundu aims to create a platform for open communication and joint problem-solving. The emphasis is on a unified approach, recognizing that a lasting solution can only be achieved through mutual understanding and shared responsibility.
Recognizing the sensitivity of the situation, Senator Akobundu has prioritized direct engagement with community leaders and stakeholders over issuing potentially inflammatory public statements. He believes that a collaborative approach, grounded in respectful dialogue and genuine efforts to understand each other’s concerns, is far more effective than grandstanding or issuing pronouncements. This measured approach is intended to de-escalate tensions and create space for constructive conversations. He has also pledged to support the widow and four children of the deceased, demonstrating a commitment not only to resolving the conflict but also to alleviating the suffering of those directly affected.
Local leaders in Ikwuano LGA have voiced their concerns and frustrations over the recurring violence. Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, the Mayor of Ikwuano, has lamented the repeated attacks originating from Obot Akara and Ini LGAs, emphasizing the urgent need for a clearly demarcated boundary to prevent further bloodshed and destruction of farmland. He pointed out that the boundary dispute has festered for over a century, underscoring the deep-seated nature of the conflict. This historical context is crucial for understanding the complexity of the issue and the need for a solution that addresses not only the immediate triggers of violence but also the long-standing grievances.
Community leaders in Ariam Usaka have also spoken out, accusing neighboring communities in Akwa Ibom of encroaching on their ancestral lands. Chief Charles Ugboaja, President-General of Ariam Usaka Development Union, highlighted the existence of natural boundaries, such as a dense forest, that have historically been recognized by both sides. He called for the intervention of authorities to reaffirm these traditional boundaries and ensure the safe return of the abducted youth. HRH Eze Joseph Obaji, the monarch of Ikemba Autonomous Community and Chairman of Ariam Usaka Council of Traditional Rulers, further emphasized the need to implement previous findings by a Federal Government delegation and the Boundary Commission, which reportedly confirmed Ariam Usaka’s ownership of the disputed land. He underscored the importance of enforcing the established demarcation, which places the boundary near an army post, to prevent future clashes. The collective voices of these local leaders underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to restore peace and prevent future tragedies.
