Abia Assembly Decries Killing in Boundary Clash

The Abia State House of Assembly has tasked its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to collaborate with Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who chairs the State’s Boundary Committee, to engage the Akwa Ibom State government over the recent boundary dispute between the Ariam Usaka community in Abia State and the Obot Akara people of Akwa Ibom State. During the latest clash on February 2, a man from the Ariam Usaka community in Ikwuano LGA was reportedly killed by alleged attackers from Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State. Addressing a Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought forward by Isienyi Boniface, the lawmaker representing Ikwuano constituency, the House expressed deep concern over the incident and urged its Boundary and Security Committee to work closely with the Deputy Governor to ensure lasting peace in the disputed area. Isienyi, while informing the House of the tragic killing, also noted that several properties were destroyed in the violence. In a related matter, the Assembly has directed its Boundary and Security Committee to investigate a petition submitted by the Amaegbu Community Development Association of Ikenyi autonomous community in Lekwesi, Umunnochi LGA. The petition alleges that a private mining company, operating from Amate Isiagu in Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State, has encroached on their lands, causing tension in the Abia community. The petition was presented by Mathias Ume, who represents the Umunnochi constituency in the House. Additionally, the Assembly advised the state government to promote mechanized farming to enhance food production.