The House of Representatives at its plenary session on Thursday 26 September 2019 called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to expedite action on the boundary demarcation exercise between communities in Enugu-Otu, Mkpunando and Eziagulu-Otu communities in Aguleri, Anambra State and the Odeke/Echohon communities of Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State in a bid to promote peace in the aforementioned areas.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Obidigwe Chinedu Benjamin stated that the boundary dispute between Enugu-Otu, Mkpunando and Eziagulu-Otu communities of Aguleri, Anambra State and the Odeke/Echohon communities in Kogi State had claimed many lives for decades. He noted the House efforts in finding a lasting solution on the matter such as its resolution on Tuesday, 6 August 2019, urging the NBC to accelerate action towards resolving the dispute between the communities in an amicable manner.
Speaking further, Hon. Benjamin also noted that the NBC responded to the House inquiry through a letter dated 28 August 2019, highlighting that its attempt to locate the seven “turning points” of the disputed boundary from the 1969 Kabba Province Administrative map had been disrupted by the activities of some youths of Odeke Community in Kogi State. He also mentioned that a preliminary review of the NBC revealed that three “turning points” relevant to the dispute were outside the position described in Gazette Notice 126 of 1954.
There was however some progress on the matter as the lawmaker cited a recent NBC report stating that the communities having the boundary dispute had reached some form of consensus that would help its field team resume work. Hon. Benjamin also stressed the need for an enabling environment so that the Commission could complete the demarcation of the boundary between the communities for their overall interest and peaceful co-existence.
Additional Resolutions of the House sequel to the motion also included:
(i) Calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Chief of Army Staff to provide adequate security in the area to enable the National Boundary Commission to complete the demarcation of the boundary between the communities;
(ii)Mandating the Committees on Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Army and Special Duties to ensure compliance and report back in six (6) weeks for further legislative action.
