The commissioner for border peace and conflict resolution, Paul Nwobashi, says the Ebonyi government has resolved 21 boundary disputes and 29 community, village and election-related disputes from January to date. Mr Nwobashi disclosed this in an interview in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

He said the ministry handled boundary disputes, community land disputes, leadership tussles, and other conflicts that could threaten peaceful coexistence among communities.

“Our ministry handles boundary disputes, community land disputes, leadership tussles and other conflicts affecting peaceful coexistence among communities. The ministry mediates in such disputes whenever they arise, and this has helped to restore peace and promote development.

“We have made a significant impact in peace-building among communities. We have so far resolved 21 boundary disputes and 29 community, village and election-related disputes,” he said.

The commissioner attributed some boundary disputes to land grabbers removing boundary pillars and disagreements over royalties from areas endowed with mineral resources.

“Ebonyi is blessed with abundant mineral resources, and sometimes communities and villages fight over who controls the royalties from these resources, thereby resulting in crises,” he said.

Mr Nwobashi said peace was essential for development, adding that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration had continued to prioritise peace and residents’ welfare through its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

He described the ministry’s assignment as challenging but said its officials remained committed to achieving results in line with the vision and mission of the state government.

“The ministry works with integrity, as no amount of pressure can make us change the truth or compromise our standards,” he said.

(NAN)