UMAHI SEEKS FG's INTERVENTION ON EBONYI / C' RIVER BOUNDARY DISPUTE.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has called  for the   Federal Government intervention in settling the   hostilities   between the people of Azuofia Idda in Izzi Local Government Area of the state   and Ohene in Cross River State.

He made the call when the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, came to brief him on the outcome of the surveillance of the two communities at the Government House, Abakaliki on Saturday evening.

 Umahi ,who  noted that lingering boundary dispute  between the two communities  required action and commitment of the Federal Government and the two states,    advocated  security meeting where the military  commanders of both states and heads  other security agents would be in attendance . 

He said, " The  problem between Cross River and Ebonyi is quite known  and unfortunately, the problem of boundary in our country is quite funny. Nobody is really taking any definite action.

" I believe strongly believe  that we need political will; we need commitment to solve the problem. I will plead that since the Cross River command is also under you(GOC), let's have  an  interaction between the two commanders as  quickly  as possible. The same thing with the police. I will speak  with the IG about it."

While the governor  promised to visit the area   to know the extent of destruction and how to provide social amenities for  the people, he said that a   police post  would be established in the Ebonyi  axis  of the border. 

Umahi, according a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya,  enjoined  the Cross River State government   to do the same   in order to protect lives and property in the areas. 

He  said, " I believe strongly that by Tuesday, I will visit there with   security chiefs from Ebonyi State and look at the lack of government presence and see what and what we can put in place to show government presence in that area.  

" Let's see what and what we can do for a  police post to be there immediately.  I believe strongly that   Cross River should do the same thing."

The governor commended   Acting President  Yemi Osinbanjo and the GOC as well as the  security chiefs in the state for their timely intervention which brought the situation under control.

Anya's statement also quoted Umahi as saying: "  I want to thank you the acting President.   I spoke with  him about the situation and immediately he told me he was going to contact the security chiefs and they all spoke with me later. I also thank you(GOC). We are  happy with  the  quick response. I must also commend our commander here in Ebonyi State;  Commissioner of Police  and heads of other security agencies in this state. They  did a brilliant job. If not for their intervention, things would have been worse. "

The governor, who reiterated his commitment to maintain peace in the area, warned against further attacks  by the people.  

  He said,"I want to also assure you that we will do everything possible to maintain peace in the  area.   We have to do everything by way of security report from the commander there to warn the people  because any little more push   can escalate to war and the two states will not be good  examples for Nigeria".

He also appealed to the GOC to visit Ikwo Adadama axis and Iyala Igbeagu where such crises.
Earlier, the  GOC  said  he led the team to the communities and had meetings with the traditional rulers and the youth. 
He explained that calm had returned to the area  and promised that  the perpetrators of the violence would be fished out and punished accordingly.