Abia State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to liaise with the Deputy Governor, Ikechuckwu Emetu who is the Chairman of the State’s Boundary Committee, in engaging Akwa Ibom State government concerning the recent boundary dispute between Ariam Usaka community of Abia State and Obot Akara people of Akwa Ibom State.
During the latest clash on February 2, a man from Ariam Usaka community, Ikwuano LGA was killed by alleged invaders from Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State.
Reacting to the Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought by the member representing Ikwuano constituency, Isienyi Boniface, Abia State House of Assembly expressed worry over the ugly development and urged its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to collaborate with Abia State Deputy Governor in achieving a lasting peace in the disputed area.
Isienyi had while informing the House about the killing of his constituent, said that several property were destroyed during the crises.
In a related development, Abia State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to investigate a petition brought by Amaegbu Community Development Association of Ikenyi autonomous community, Lekwesi, Umunnochi LGA of Abia State.
The community had in the petition, alerted the Abia State House of Assembly about the alleged encroachment on their lands by a private mining company, which the community said takes off from Amate Isiagu in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State.
The petition, which said that the activities of the mining company from Ebonyi State was creating tension in the Abia community, was read by Mr Mathias Ume who represents Umunnochi constituency in the State House of Assembly.
The House further advised the State government to encourage mechanized farming to boost food production.