Oko Chukwu, who is the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, stated this when he visited the Usaka Ukwu and Azunchia Ariam communities in Ikwuano council, described the renewed attack on innocent citizens and communities along the boundary corridors between Abia and Akwa Ibom states, as regrettable.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that he had since the last report of violence, in liaison with his Akwa Ibom state counterpart, held series of meetings with the National Boundary Commission, NBC, over the incessant clashes and promised to continue to mount pressure on them till the final delineation of the boundary lines in the area.
He reminded the people of Azunchia Ariam and Usaka Ukwu communities that Government is aware of their situation and enjoined them to maintain peace as government will protect their lives and property.
In his words; “I have held series of meetings in liaison with my Akwa Ibom state counterpart, with the National Boundary Commission over the incessant clashes. I will continue to mount pressure on them till the final delineation of the boundary lines in the area. No inch of Abia territory will ever be ceded to other states. Government is aware of your situation. I urge you to be law abiding and maintain peace.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikwuano council, Chief Steve Mpamugo explained that their Akwa Ibom neighbors have taken advantage of their peaceful nature to attack the Ariam and Usaka Ukwu communities as a result of lands that belonged to them over the years.
In their separate speeches, Elder Emma Ugbaja from Azunchia Ariam, and a Youth leader from Usaka Ukwu, Mr. Chikezie Chibuike , stated that they have lived in peace with their Akwa Ibom neighbors, but lamented that they now live in fear of their neighbors who always lay ambush and kill their people on their farms.
They urged the Government to save them from the incessant killings and destruction of their properties.