Abia, Enugu communities Bury Hatchet, End 16-year Land Dispute

After years of courtroom battles, acrimony and broken relations, peace finally returned yesterday between Achara community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and Ugwueme community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The two neighbours, who have been locked in a protracted 16-year land tussle, agreed to put an end to their legal hostilities and embrace dialogue as the pathway to peace.

The breakthrough came during the second phase of a peace and reconciliation meeting hosted in Umunneochi by the council chairman, Mr Sunday Afurobi.

The parley, which drew together political leaders and community representatives, was attended by Abia State lawmaker, Mr Mathias Nwachi, his Enugu State counterpart, Mr Anthony Okafor, as well as traditional and youth leaders from both sides.

At the session, the communities unanimously resolved to discontinue their court case and “settle at home”. To cement this, a joint delegation comprising the two lawmakers, the Umunneochi council chairman and three representatives each from Achara and Ugwueme was constituted to formally notify the court of their decision to withdraw the case.

Part of the resolution also directed both parties to exchange relevant documents to aid the peace process before their next reconciliation meeting.

Delegates heaped praises on Mr Afurobi, whose neutrality and tact were widely credited for the progress achieved. Many described his intervention as the turning point in a dispute that had defied successive administrations.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, one of the elders said: “This is the beginning of a new dawn. We have fought for too long. It is time to heal, to unite, and to build together as neighbours.”

The accord is regarded as a watershed in the long and troubled history of relations between the two border communities, with many hoping it will lay the foundation for enduring peace and development in the area.