Aba– The Abia State House of Assembly (ASHA) convened on Tuesday, 21st May 2024, to address pressing issues affecting the state, with a significant focus on the long-standing boundary dispute between Isu Community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia state and Ukwa Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River state NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Labour Party’s Hon. Okoro Uchenna, representing the Arochukwu State Constituency, brought the matter to the House as a matter of urgent public importance. In his presentation, Hon. Uchenna highlighted the severe and ongoing nature of the boundary conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties over the years.
Uchenna explained that the boundary issues between Isu Community in Arochukwu and Ukwa Community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River state have persisted for far too long, claiming many lives and causing immense suffering to the affected communities. He argued that it is imperative that the Abia state legislature addresses this issue with the urgency it deserves to prevent further loss of life and to promote peace, stability and economic growth in the region.
The House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. E. I. Emeruwa, recognizing the gravity of the situation, promptly committed the matter to its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters for further legislative action. The committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and security agencies, to develop comprehensive strategies for resolving the dispute and ensuring lasting peace between the communities.
ABIA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PLENARY SUMMARY – MAY 21ST, 2024:
The plenary session commenced at 1:12 pm with an opening prayer by Hon. Mattias Nwachi Ume (Umunneochi).
The votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 14th May 2024, were adopted as correct and working documents of the… pic.twitter.com/RgRh0Mr2i7
— Rt. Hon. E. I. Emeruwa (EIE) (@RtHonEmeruwa) May 21, 2024
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emeruwa, while expressing the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the issue, noted the deep concern about the loss of lives and the disruption caused by this boundary dispute. He assured the Abia public of the Committee on Boundary and Security Matters working diligently to find a resolution that will bring peace and security to the affected areas.
Recall that two Saturdays ago, there was an escalation of the communal crisis between Isu community in Arochukwu and Ukwa community in Odukpani LGA which reportedly claimed the life of late Mrs. Alade Kalu Elem an elderly lady of Obiezu/Ohabuike Isu community in Arochukwu. The conflict is connected with an unresolved boundary dispute between the two communities NEGROIDHAVEN reported.
According to a source whose identity cannot be disclosed, ‘Ukwa people attacked us earlier this morning, killing an elderly lady’.
The unresolved boundary issue is said to have started as far back as 1989 where the Umon clan in Biase reportedly launched an attack against Iheosu-Ihu.
