Abia Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to protect every inch of Abia from being ceded to other States in whatever guise, while assuring Ariam Communities that the government will not allow their communities to be overtaken by neighbouring communities in other states.

Oko Chukwu gave  this assurances  when he led a high powered government  delegation to the Usaka Ukwu and Azuncha Ariam communities in Ikwuano LGA following recent attacks from their Nkari neighbors of Akwa Ibom state which  led to loss of lives and properties.

The deputy governor maintained that  as a responsive government,  it will not allow lands belonging to Abia to be taken over by people that want to expand their territories at all cost.

He added that  the renewed intermittent attack and unleasing of mayhem on innocent citizens and communities along the boundary corridors between Abia and Akwa Ibom states as very regrettable and a disappointment, pointing out that he had since the last report of violence, in liaison with his counterpart held series of meetings with the National Boundary Commission and will continue to mount pressure on them till the final delineation and demarcation of their boundary lines.

He reminded the people of Azuncha Ariam and Usaka Ukwu communities that government is aware of their predicament as the loss of their loved one is quite sad and regrettable and enjoined them to remain law abiding and maintain peace as Govt will always ensure that their lives and property are protected.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Steve Mpamugo  described as unfortunate that neighbors they have been sharing boundaries  have turned around to attack and kill their people as a result of lands that belonged to them over the years, having taken advantage of their peaceful and accommodating disposition.

Also in their separate briefings, an elder stateman from Azuncha Ariam, Elder Emma Ugbaja and a youth leader from Usaka Ukwu, Mr. Chikezie Chibuike who disclosed that over the years they have been accommodating and living in peace with their Akwa Ibom neighbors but lamented that they now live in fear of their neighbors who always lay ambush and kill their people on their farms and called on Govt to save them from incessant killings and destroying of their property.

Oko Chukwu, who is also the Chairman State Boundary Committee had earlier on paid a visit to the A COY 145 Batallion of the Nigerian Army to identify with the Military personnels manning the boundary between Abia and Akwa Ibom states in company of top government officials, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Capt Awa Udensi rtd and other  personalities.