Abia Government Acts to Ease Tension in Two Communities Over Land Dispute

The Abia State Government has pledged to resolve a 70‑year‑old land dispute involving the Amabiaelu autonomous community of Umuhuezechi and the Ohumala/Amoji autonomous community of Igbere, both located in Bende Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who chairs the state boundary committee, spoke in Umuahia during a meeting with leaders from the two communities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and harmony among Abia’s residents.

Emetu noted that the contested Utuka land, whose dispute dates back to the 1950s, has been the subject of multiple judicial proceedings, including a Supreme Court ruling. He said the boundary committee would act as a peace‑building and conciliatory body rather than an appellate court, aiming to ease tensions and prevent violence.

"No piece of land is more valuable than human life. No disagreement should degenerate into hostility, destruction or bloodshed," the Deputy Governor said.

He urged members of both communities to pursue dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect, warning that the state would not tolerate actions that threaten public peace and security.

Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Bassey Uwabunkonye, also expressed concern over the repeated security incidents linked to the dispute.

President General of the Ohumala/Amoji autonomous community, Igbere, Obike Imo Mascot, stated that the communities had approached the government to properly demarcate the disputed area and erect boundary pillars to promote peaceful coexistence.

Traditional ruler of Umuhu Ezechi, Eze Chigaemeze Onwuchekwa, welcomed the government’s intervention and called for a fair and just resolution of the conflict.