In a decisive move to address rising tensions, the Abia State House of Assembly has mandated its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to collaborate with Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, in engaging the Akwa Ibom State Government over the escalating boundary conflict between Ariam Usaka community in Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, and Obot Akara community in Akwa Ibom State
The urgency of this intervention follows a violent clash that occurred on the 2nd of February, whereby an Ariam Usaka indigene was tragically killed, allegedly by assailants from Obot Akara.
The attack also left a trail of destruction, with several properties razed.
Raising a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Isienyi Boniface, the lawmaker representing Ikwuano Constituency, expressed deep concern over the bloodshed and destruction.
The House, equally alarmed, urged its committee to work closely with the Deputy Governor to secure lasting peace in the embattled region.
In another development, the House has directed the Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to probe a petition from Amaegbu Community Development Association, representing Ikenyi autonomous community, Lekwesi, Umunnochi LGA.
The petition raises alarm over an alleged land encroachment by a private mining company, which reportedly operates from Amate Isiagu in Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State.
The community warns that the company’s activities are stoking tensions in their locality. The petition was formally presented by Mathias Ume, the Umunnochi constituency representative.
Beyond the security concerns, the House of Assembly has also advised the Abia State Government to promote mechanized farming as a strategy to boost food production and enhance the state’s agricultural output.
With tensions rising over both boundary disputes and land encroachment, the Abia State House of Assembly’s swift intervention signals a strong commitment to peace, security, and economic stability in the state.