Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has declared the disputed land in the Ishiagu-Akaeze boundary dispute in Ivo LGA a buffer zone.

Consequently, the governor has directed both parties in the dispute to steer clear of the disputed land, stressing that anybody found in the land would be made to face the wrath of the law.

The declaration is contained in a press statement issued on behalf of the governor and signed by Grace Umezuruike, secretary to the state government, on Thursday in Abakaliki.

The governor further directed security agencies to beef up security on the disputed land to ensure full compliance with the directives and maintain law and order in the area.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru, has observed with serious concern the lingering crisis between the people of Umobor in Akaeze and Ogwor in Ishiagu communities all in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi over a piece of land.

“Consequently, the governor has declared the disputed land a buffer zone and has directed security agencies to beef up security in the area. Anyone caught violating the directive will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” said the statement.

According to the statement, the governor has invited 20 stakeholders from each warring community to a crucial meeting scheduled for December 16 at noon at the governor’s conference room in Centenary City, Abakaliki.

Umobor in Akaeze and Ogwor in Ishiagu communities have been involved in decades of war over boundary disputes that had claimed hundreds of lives from both sides.

(NAN)