11th February 2025
Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, has assured that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is working to resolve the Ikwuano/Obot Akara border clashes that recently led to a fatality.
The latest violence erupted on Sunday when gunmen from Obot Akara LGA in Akwa Ibom State allegedly killed a resident of Ariam Usaka in Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, over the long-standing Ndurukpe farmland dispute.
During a visit to the victim’s family, Akobundu condemned the violence and called for peace. He confirmed that Senate President Akpabio had set up a team to investigate and address the matter.
He also stated that he had been in talks with federal lawmakers from both states, who are committed to resolving the conflict.
The 38-year-old victim, Otutubuike Innocent, was reportedly shot dead while searching for another youth, Ebene Emele, who had been abducted by suspected gunmen from Akwa Ibom.
Local leaders, including Ikwuano Mayor Dr. Anthony Nwaubani and Ariam Usaka Development Union President Chief Charles Ugboaja, called for official boundary demarcation and government intervention.
Traditional rulers also urged the implementation of past reports confirming Ariam Usaka’s ownership of the disputed land to prevent further violence.
