By Mimi Chiadikobi
The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, has warned Communities using weapons to resolve land issues to stop forthwith or face legal action.
Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of Anambra State Boundary Committee (SBC), gave the warning in Awka, during a meeting with members of the boundary committee.
He said that communities should desist from resorting to self help by taking up arms in the bid to determine boundaries but to rely on lawful means of either, to approach the SBC or go to court in other not to risk acquisitions of such lands by government in the interest of peace.
Ibezim said that the meeting was convened to assess its progress and speedily address boundary issues affecting various communities of the state.
The deputy governor noted the importance of peaceful resolution in communities is to maintain healthy brotherhood as the founding fathers left behind.
“The state government encourages speedy ratificatio of resolutions reached on existing boundary issues from committee members to prevent miscreants from exploiting the situation.
“We discourage communities from unilaterally placing boundary billboards,only the boundary committee membersc have the power to do so,”Ibezim
He reminded members on the importance of having knowledge on land ownership adding that government owns all lands and issues certificates of occupancy to the occupants.
He urged the members to see the importance of peaceful resolutions of land disputes across communities in the state as key to unity and progress of Anambra.
He said that insecurity challenges experienced in the state was predominantly attributed to boundary disputes and charged members to take actions in restoration of peace amongst warring communities.
He added that the life of any individual was worth more than any expanse of land as far government is concerned.
Mr Paul Nwosu, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and members of the committee commended Ibezim’s manner of handling challenges arising from boundary issues
Nwosu suggested that in-depth investigation need be done over any compliant received before taking decisions to avoid escalation of the matter.
“Land disputes needs to be handled sensitively in order to bring in lasting and peaceful resolutions amongst warring communities,” Nwosu advised.
The Traditional Ruler of Enugwu- Umuonyia, HRH Igwe Peter Ezeamama of Enugwu Umuonyia, a member, assured that efforts would be made to sustain peace in Anambra State.
Ezeamama said that it was lack of historical information and knowledge that causes land disputes and advised that facts in respect to communities should be made handy.
“When citizens are furnished with facts of their community history and demarcation where it exist between communities younger generations will be have no need to fight over piece of land.
“Lack of proper and true information about the activities of the past decades majorly contributes communal clashes, it can be avoided with dissemination of information,” he said.
Also, HRH Igwe S.I. Chidubem of Umumbo agreed that factual dissemination of information amongst communities willl reduce boundaries challenges in morden time like now.
Chidubem appealed during vote of thanks for expedited action in terms of the establishment of boundary monuments in their affected areas as soon as possible.
He expressed hope of lasting peace amongst the communities involved.
Ten different communities were represented in the meeting ,namely Osile Ogbunike, Amuche Nkwelle, Umuobam Umunya, Enugwu Agidi, Ukwulu. Adazi Ogidi,Umudunu,Ifite Agbaja- Abatete and Ukpo.
Other committee members present includes, Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta,
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