The deputy governors of Imo and Abia states have intervened in a land dispute between Ihube, Okigwe in Imo State and Uturu, Isuikwuato in Abia State.
The deputy governors of Imo and Abia states, Eze Madumere and Ude Chukwu, respectively, called on the indigenes of the two areas to embrace peace.
Madumere, who said the two sister communities had nothing to gain by taking the law into their own hands, expressed optimism that with the on-the-spot assessment of the land, the governments had begun a process of creating a lasting peace.
Speaking after the two deputy governors accompanied by other government aides from both states visited the disputed land, Madumere said there was no alternative to peace.
He said Imo and Abia states shared many things in common, including cultures, adding that the crisis between the two communities would jeopardise the long existing relationship between the two states.
Madumere, who recalled that Abia was carved out of Imo State in 1991, expressed the readiness of the two governments to address the vexed issues concerning the disputed land once and for all.
The deputy governor said, “I joined my colleague, Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu, to handle the land dispute between two sister communities of Ihube of Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State and Uturu of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
“To the glory of God, we were able to calm the tense atmosphere of our people. Sanity was restored as we enjoined the two communities to embrace dialogue since a lasting peace can only be achieved with the two communities coming together to agree.
“I had the Commissioner for Information, Nnamdi Obiareri, and the TC Chairman of Okigwe LGA with their counterparts from Okigwe LGA. Whatever the cost, peace is worth it because without peace there is no progress and the guarantee of life and property will be a mere farce.”
