Enugu State is located in South East Nigeria
A century-old land crisis between the Aku and Ikolo communities in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State is finally drawing to a close as the council chairman, Dr. Eric Odo, has flagged off the long-awaited boundary demarcation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learned that the disagreement over the stretch of land dates back to 1914, making it one of the region’s longest-running communal disputes.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Ogbede on Friday, Odo reiterated the historic depth of the conflict, noting that “the land dispute started since 1914.” He lamented the toll it has taken, adding that the clashes had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property—tragedies he said could have been prevented.
According to him, the demarcation marks a turning point in efforts to end the hostilities. He stressed that his administration was determined to settle the matter once and for all, describing the breakthrough as a fulfilment of his campaign pledge to restore harmony in the affected areas.
“The peace we are brokered would permanently end the crisis that had caused psychological and economic hardship to the people,” he said.
Odo also applauded Gov. Peter Mbah and Deputy Gov. Ifeanyi Ossai for creating the conditions that made the peace process possible.
NAN reports that traditional rulers, presidents-general, and councillors from both communities expressed their readiness to embrace lasting peace and coexistence.
Residents and leaders from Aku and Ikolo hailed the intervention as a milestone that promises greater security and stability for their communities. (NAN)
