Two communities found to be involved in land dispute for 111 years

By Desire Emmanuel

Two communities in Enugu State have been found to have been involved in land dispute since 1914, causing them to engage in fierce fights over the land for 111 years.

However, following the unending disputes between the Aku and Ikolo communities in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of the state, the government has intervened and has set up a clearly-defined boundary between them.

Chairman of local government, Dr Eric Odo, officially flagged-off the demarcation of the boundary on Friday, November 14, saying that the land dispute, which could have been avoided, had claimed many lives and properties over the years.

The council boss noted that with the clearly-defined boundary that has been created, his administration had successfully resolved the issue amicably

He maintained that the resolution was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to restore peace and unity in the communities.

“The peace we brokered would permanently end the crisis that had caused psychological and economic hardship to the people,” he said.

Odo commended Governor .Peter Mbah and his deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, for their intervention and for providing the enabling environment for peace to return to the two communities.

It was gathered that during the demarcation exercise, traditional rulers, president-generals and councillors from both communities pledged their commitment to lasting peace and mutual coexistence.

Community leaders and residents of both Aku and Ikolo hailed Odo’s intervention as a historic step that would guarantee safety of lives and property in the areas.