The Abia State House of Assembly has swiftly responded to recent security concerns, directing its Committee on Boundary and Security Matters to engage with the Akwa Ibom State government over a boundary dispute between the Ariam Usaka community of Abia and the Obot Akara people of Akwa Ibom.
The dispute, which escalated on February 2, resulted in the tragic death of a man from Ariam Usaka, Ikwuano Local Government Area, allegedly at the hands of invaders from Obot Akara. The House of Assembly expressed grave concern over the incident, with member Isienyi Boniface representing Ikwuano constituency, who brought the Matter of Urgent Public Importance to the floor. He reported that several properties were destroyed during the violent clash. The Assembly called for a collaborative effort with the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechuckwu Emetu, to work towards a peaceful resolution in the area.
In another matter, the Assembly has instructed the same Committee to investigate a petition from the Amaegbu Community Development Association of Ikenyi autonomous community in Lekwesi, Umunnochi Local Government Area. The petition claims that a private mining company, operating from Amate Isiagu in Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State, has encroached upon their lands, creating tension within the community. The petition, read by Umunnochi representative Mathias Ume, highlighted the growing concern over the mining activities and their impact on local residents.
In a bid to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector, the Assembly also urged the Abia State government to promote mechanized farming as a means to boost food production in the region.
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