Residents of Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and their border neighbouring community of Agila in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State have rolled out the drums in celebration of one year return of absolute peace between the two states.
The communities had experienced serious boundary disputes spanning through 101 years.
The clashes have claimed thousands of lives and caused destruction of property of the natives and non-natives alike before attainment of the celebrated peace a year ago.
Speaking during the 2024 peace celebration at the ancestral home of Ngbo Ndiulo Ekwashi playground Ohaukwu LGA, the co-chairman of Ngbo/Agila inter-communities peace and reconciliation committee, Cyril Obazi called on the two state governments for proper boundary adjustment/ demarcation and construction of linking road between the communities among other things as guaranteed measures for sustenance of the achieved peace.
Obazi said, “We wish to use this unique opportunity to call on the federal, state and local governments to construct Ngbo/Agila road from Ekwashi Ngbo to Agila/Otukpo in Benue State. This road will enhance easy movement and trans-border commercial relationship between Ngbo and Agila.
“We solicit for boundary line adjustment and demarcation to further cement the peace. We appeal for government presence on the disputed land by establishing tertiary institutions, industries, hospitals, police and military formations.”
The member representing Ohaukwu at the House of Representatives, Ezeh Nwachukwu, chairman of Ngbo leaders council, Emmanuel Etu-Odo, Akka Omenyi, second in command in Agila traditional council, councillor representing Agila ward, Francis Ede and his Ngbo West counterpart, Samuel Onwe pledged to do all within their reach to ensure sustenance of the achieved peace for progress of all and sundry.
