…Calls For RSG Intervention
The people of Umuchoko Umuoye in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have cried out over alleged incessant attacks and trespass on their land by their neighbouring Imo Community, Umuezom, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
The two neighbouring communities are locking horns over boundary dispute, each laying claim to plots of land located within the boundary sequel to the commencement of the construction of a 22km road in Umuchoko Umuoye Community by the Rivers State Government.
The road construction was awarded to SETRACO by Gov. Nyesom Wike’s administration.
Addressing newsmen recently, the chairman of Ogbakor Umuchoko community, Mr. Nicholas Onyenam, described the attitude of Umuezom Community as unfortunate and embarrassing, adding that the so-called Umuezom Community were not their immediate neighbours but the Umuola Umuejim in same Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
He stated that the plots of land along the road were their farmland and his people had been farming on the land, and would also farm on the land this year, pointing out that the mistake of accommodating Umuezom Community was made by their late forefathers who were magnanimous to strangers then.
In the same vein, Mr. Okechukwu Nwaugha, an opinion leader in the community and the chairman of Umuoye Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Kenneth Dickson affirmed that the way and manner the people of Umuezom were molesting and attacking their youths, wives and elders of Umuchoko calls for retaliation but for the peace-loving nature of their people and in order not to disrupt the ongoing road construction in their community. They called for the quick intervention by the Rivers State government to nip in the bud the imminent danger posed by the alleged attack on their people.
They revealed that the issue of the disputed boundary had been reported to the office of the Deputy Governor of the State which is in charge of the state boundary adjustment.
Accordingly, the Deputy governor came with her team to ascertain the originality of the boundary with original records of boundary between Umuoye and Imo State, and it was observed that the boundary was over seven hundred metres from where Umuezom were claiming.
The traditional ruler of Umuoye Community, Eze Emma Ekeh, Ochimba of Umuoye and his counterpart, Eze Basil Chinah, Ogbuga of Umuoye frowned on the slow pace of work on the road construction as the road is their only accessible road to Imo State and Port Harcourt.
They also confirmed that, Umuchoko have no boundary with Umuezom rather than Umuola Umuejim and that what the Umuezom Community are dragging is the “oil well” which was found years ago and that if the road was allowed to pass through, it means they are not owners of the oil well.
They however, promised to restore peace by calming their people and warned that, if Umuezom community continue to molest their people, they would have no choice but to defend themselves.
They also commended the effort of the Rivers State government in project execution and delivery but appealed to the governor (‘Mr Projects’) known for prompt project execution and delivery to do same on the road before the rains arrive by urging the contractor to speed up work.
