The Enugu State Boundary Committee has resolved a long-standing and potentially violent land dispute between Isienu-Amagunze in Nkanu East Local Government Area and Ndiuno Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
The conflict, which nearly escalated into a bloodbath on December 11, 2024, followed allegations by residents of Isienu-Amagunze that Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, had encroached on their land under the pretext of executing a federal project.
Tensions, however, heightened when bulldozers invaded over six hectares of cassava and yam plantations owned by local farmers in Isienu-Amagunze.
However, swift intervention by the Enugu State Government prevented what could have been a deadly communal clash.
The State Boundary Committee subsequently waded into the crisis and on Thursday released its findings, affirming the demarcation between the two communities.
The committee, in a report submitted by the secretary, Solomon Ejim, to the state government, explained that, “the boundary between both communities is the point demarcated by a seasonal stream known as the IYI-EZI stream bordering the Akpugo community and Isienu-Amagunze community.”
The point the report submitted on Thursday, which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday, also serves as the current administrative boundary between Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas.
Reacting to the decision, Anthony Mbah, who represents Nkanu East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, praised the verdict, stating it “aligns with the position of the Isienu-Amagunze community to the boundary committee as to where the true boundary is.
“I want to commend the Enugu State Government for its prompt intervention in resolving this dispute.
“The swift intervention of the state government had averted what could have resulted in a bloody communal conflict between the two neighbouring communities.”
The Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Ikechukwu Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi), also commended the government for its efforts in resolving the dispute.
“We appreciate the government’s commitment to peace and stability in our communities,” Asadu said.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy, Local Government and Rural Development, Okey Ogbodo, noted that the government’s intervention had prevented a potentially volatile situation.
“We are pleased that the dispute has been resolved peacefully, and we urge both communities to respect the decision of the committee,” Ogbodo said.
The traditional ruler of Isienu-Amagunze, Emmanuel Nnamani, expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for his leadership in resolving the dispute.
“We are grateful for the governor’s commitment to peace and stability in our community,” Nnamani said.
The resolution of this dispute is a testament to the effectiveness of the Enugu State Government’s conflict resolution mechanisms and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
