The Anambra State Boundary Committee (SBC) has taken a major step towards resolving the long-standing boundary dispute involving Ifiteani Agulu, Akabor, and Ovollo Mbaukwu communities in Anambra State.
For many residents of the affected areas, the intervention by the state government has brought renewed hope that peace and understanding may finally return after years of tension, disagreements, and uncertainty surrounding the disputed land.
The important meeting was held on May 14, 2026, at the Office of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, popularly known as the Light House, Awka. Present at the meeting were representatives of the affected communities, members of the State Boundary Committee, government officials, and other stakeholders who gathered to discuss possible ways of finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis.
According to officials at the meeting, the intervention by the State Boundary Committee followed an appeal by Ifiteani Agulu community, who called on the Anambra State Government to step in and prevent further escalation of tensions around the disputed boundary area. Concerns had reportedly been growing over repeated misunderstandings, accusations of encroachment, and fears that the situation could eventually lead to conflict if urgent action was not taken.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who also serves as Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, government representatives assured all parties that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains committed to peace, justice, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
They stressed that the government’s priority is to ensure that the issue is resolved through dialogue, proper investigation, and peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.
The representatives also acknowledged how sensitive land and boundary matters can be, especially among communities with deep ancestral ties to their lands.
They appealed to all parties involved to remain calm, cooperate with the committee, and avoid any actions capable of worsening the situation while investigations are ongoing.
During the meeting, representatives from the three communities presented their different positions regarding the disputed land. Each community relied heavily on historical accounts, ancestral landmarks, oral traditions, and inherited knowledge passed down through generations to support their claims.
Both sides accused one another of crossing into territories they believed belonged to them despite existing traditional boundary marks.
Representatives of Ifiteani Agulu insisted that parts of the disputed land have historically belonged to their community.
According to them, ancient landmarks and the accounts of their forefathers clearly define the original boundary lines between the communities. They appealed to the State Boundary Committee to protect what they described as their ancestral inheritance.
However, one of the major moments during the meeting came when representatives of Ovollo Village, Mbaukwu challenged the claims being made by Ifiteani Agulu.
Speaking during the deliberations, the spokesperson for Ovollo Village raised a question that immediately drew attention from both committee members and those present at the meeting.
According to the Ovollo representatives, if the disputed land truly belongs entirely to Ifiteani Agulu as being claimed, then why have some indigenes and residents from Agulu allegedly been purchasing portions of the same land from people of Ovollo Village, Mbaukwu over the years?
The Ovollo spokesperson stated that their community has documented and concrete evidence to support this claim, including records of land transactions and agreements involving individuals from Agulu who allegedly bought land from Ovollo landowners within the disputed area.
They argued that such transactions contradict the claim that the land belongs solely to Ifiteani Agulu. According to Ovollo representatives, if the land had always been recognized as belonging exclusively to Ifiteani, there would have been no reason for Agulu indigenes to negotiate with Ovollo people or purchase land from them.
The representatives of Ovollo maintained that these alleged transactions further support their claim that the disputed area has long been under the control and ownership of Ovollo Village.
They therefore urged the State Boundary Committee to carefully examine all land records, agreements, and other documents relating to ownership within the disputed territory.
The submission from Ovollo Village added another important dimension to the matter, as many observers noted that documentary evidence relating to land ownership and transactions could play a significant role in helping the committee determine the true position of things.
Representatives from Akabor community also defended their position strongly, insisting that their understanding of the boundary lines is based on long-standing traditional arrangements recognized by elders and past generations. Like the other parties, they accused neighboring communities of encroaching on territories they believe belong to them.
Despite the differing opinions and emotional arguments presented during the meeting, the atmosphere reportedly remained peaceful and respectful throughout the discussions. Government officials repeatedly encouraged dialogue, patience, and mutual understanding, stressing that the goal of the committee is to ensure fairness and lasting peace for all parties involved.
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the address by the Senior Special Assistant on Boundary Matters, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, who represented the Deputy Governor during the engagement.
Hon. Okoye assured the communities that the State Boundary Committee would carry out a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the dispute. He directed all affected communities to submit every relevant document relating to the disputed land.
According to him, such documents may include survey plans, maps, court judgments, traditional agreements, historical records, land transaction papers, and any other material that could help the committee establish the actual boundary lines.
Hon. Okoye emphasized that the committee would not rely only on verbal claims or emotional arguments but would carefully examine all available evidence before arriving at any conclusion. He reassured the communities that the government has no intention of favoring any side and remains focused on achieving justice, peace, and fairness.
He further revealed that members of the State Boundary Committee would soon visit the disputed areas as part of efforts to verify facts on the ground.
According to him, the visitation would allow committee members to inspect the alleged boundary marks, interact directly with residents, and gain firsthand understanding of the situation. The planned inspection is expected to involve surveyors, technical experts, community leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the process.
For many residents of the affected communities, the intervention by the Anambra State Government is seen as a welcome development. Boundary disputes have historically caused serious tensions in many communities across Nigeria, sometimes leading to destruction of property, prolonged court cases, and even violence.
This is why many people have praised the timely involvement of the State Boundary Committee in the matter involving Ifiteani Agulu, Akabor, and Ovollo Mbaukwu.
Some residents expressed cautious optimism after the meeting, saying they believe the current administration appears determined to find a genuine and peaceful solution. Others called on youths from the affected communities to remain calm and avoid any actions that could disrupt the peace while the committee continues its work.
Community leaders and peace advocates also stressed that resolving the dispute should not only be about drawing boundary lines but also about rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships among neighboring communities that have coexisted for generations.
As the investigation continues and preparations are made for the committee’s visit to the disputed areas, many residents are hopeful that the process will finally bring clarity, peace, and lasting resolution to the long-standing disagreement between Ifiteani Agulu, Akabor, and Ovollo Mbaukwu communities.
For now, all eyes remain on the State Boundary Committee as the affected communities await the next phase of the process, hopeful that years of tension and uncertainty may finally come to an end through peaceful dialogue, fairness, and proper investigation.
