The lingering land dispute between Abaomege and Ishinkwo communities in Onicha Local Council of Ebonyi State has claimed more than 100 lives in the past five years, according to the council chairman, Ikechukwu Ogboffia.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki after a protest by Ishinkwo women against the government-led demarcation of the disputed land, Ogboffia urged both communities to embrace peace.
The protesting women accused the Council and the Ministry of Lands of disregarding recommendations in the government’s White Paper.
Investigations by News Bulletin revealed that the conflict, which dates back to 1912, has led to the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Ogboffia appealed to both sides to accept the government’s demarcation, insisting it was the best path to lasting peace.
On Monday, elderly women from Ishinkwo stormed the Government House in Abakaliki, alleging that Abaomege elites in government were using their influence to grab land. They demanded a transparent demarcation process.
The protesters accused government officials of manipulating the exercise and carried placards with inscriptions such as:
“Governor Nwifuru, father of the State, please, come to our aid!”
“Follow the White Paper, no to land grabbing!”
“Return Ugwuekuma Primary School to Ishinkwo—it’s our landmark!”
“Ishinkwo military pin-down ceded to Abaomege is an injustice!”
The women also marched to the State House of Assembly to present their grievances to lawmakers.
In an open letter to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, signed by the National President of the Ishinkwo Community Development Union (Women’s Wing), Mrs. Fidelia Nworie, and 12 others, the protesters described the demarcation as flawed and biased.
They alleged that the deputy Surveyor-General of Ebonyi State had ignored the official White Paper, thereby rendering the entire exercise illegal. They called on the governor to intervene and ensure that the land survey map, a key component of the White Paper, is adhered to in order to prevent further conflict.
