The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace between the Amabiaelu Autonomous Community, Umuhuezchi and Ohumala/Amoji Autonomous Community, Igbere, in Bende Local Government Area, following renewed efforts to resolve the decades-old Utuka land dispute.

Speaking during a conciliatory meeting convened by the Abia State Boundary Committee at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Government House, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the state government was deeply concerned about the preservation of peace, security and harmonious coexistence among communities in the state.

Engr. Emetu noted that the Utuka land dispute, which dates back to the 1950s and had gone through various judicial processes up to the Supreme Court, had created tension and divisions between neighbouring communities for generations.

According to him, while government respects the judgments delivered by competent courts, including that of the Supreme Court, the Boundary Committee was not sitting as an appellate body but rather as a peace-building and conciliatory mechanism aimed at reducing tension and preventing violence.

“No piece of land is more valuable than human life. No disagreement should degenerate into hostility, destruction or bloodshed,” the Deputy Governor stated.

He urged stakeholders from both communities to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect, stressing that the Abia State Government would not tolerate any action capable of threatening public peace and security.

Quoting biblical passages and African proverbs to underscore the importance of peace, Engr. Emetu appealed to traditional rulers, youths, women and opinion leaders to support government efforts toward achieving lasting harmony in the area.

Also Speaking , the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Bassey Uwabunkonye, described the disputing communities as brothers and expressed concern over the recurring security reports arising from the dispute.

The mayor commended the Deputy Governor for initiating the peace meeting and expressed optimism that the dialogue would help restore peace in the area.

“We will continue to support every effort to ensure peace reigns in Bende Local Government Area,” he said.

In his remarks, the President General of Ohumola/Amoji Autonomous Community, Igbere, Chief Obike Imo Mascot, said the communities had approached the government to properly demarcate the disputed land and erect boundary pillars to enable peaceful coexistence.

He expressed satisfaction with the swift response of the state government, noting that authorities acted promptly instead of waiting for violence to erupt before intervening.

Chief Imo Mascot, who disclosed that he had previously served as a Boundary Commissioner, praised the handling of the matter and described the meeting as timely and encouraging.

Similarly, the Traditional Ruler of Umuhu Ezechi, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chigaemeze Onwuchekwa, welcomed the government’s intervention and called for fairness and justice in resolving the dispute amicably.

The monarch expressed confidence in the government’s wisdom and maintained that peaceful settlement remained the best path forward for both communities.

The meeting ended with renewed appeals for calm, lawful conduct and sustained dialogue among all parties involved as government continues efforts to secure lasting peace in Utuka land and the wider Bende area.