Executive Chairmen of Ikwuano and Ini LGAs, respectively Chief Stephen Mpamugo, （R）and  Hon. (Elder) Israel Idaisin in a handshake


Wednesday,  January 26 2022 would go down history as a Day of Peace, as  Usaka Ukwu Community of Ikwuano LGA, Abia state signs peace accord with their neighbors,  Nkari Community of Ini LGA, Akwa Ibom after so many years of vicious bickering and bloody communal warfare over land 


The protracted boundary clash has cost so many lives with scores missing from both sides including Usaka Ukwu, Azunchai, Ekpiri Ala-Ala, Ariam Elu Elu communities in Ikwuano council area of Abia State and their Nkari and Obot Akara neighbors in Ini and Obot Akara council areas of Akwa Ibom State. 

Other communities in Ikwuano LGA including Oboni -Upa, Ndiorie, Obugwu, and Ekwelu were not  spared from the incessant attacks from their Akwa Ibom neighbors. 



The subsequent loss of lives and destruction of properties from the communal clashes spurred leaders from affected communities in both local governments to begin peace talks which at several points were deadlocked by  disagreements.

However, a Peace Treaty was finally signed, and sealed today Wednesday, January 26, 2022 by the Executive Chairmen of Ikwuano and Ini LGAs, respectively Chief Stephen Mpamugo, and  Hon. (Elder) Israel Idaisin 



The peace pact was also signed by the Royal fathers and leaders from affected communities in both local governments (Ikwuano and Ini) at the Army Camp, and in presence of other security personnels including the Nigerian Police, DSS, and Civil Defense Officers. 


A statement signed by Aaron Elekwachi, the Media and Publicity aide to  the  Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Stephen Mpamugo quotes the Chairman as saying that the meeting became necessary because “the unity of both communities is paramount and non-negotiable." 

He said that the casualties over the years are very disheartening and he has had sleepless nights because of gruesome killings.  The council boss stated that lives are too precious and the peace pact is necessary to avoid such loss of lives and ensure that abiding peace exists between the communities. 



The Ikwuano boss further warned that both parties should endeavor to honor the agreement signed, stating that any individual or group who attempts to break the peace pact signed will face the law. 

In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Ini Local Government, Hon. (Elder) Israel Idaisin reiterated the same thoughts of the Ikwuano council boss, and urged all community leaders present to carry the message to their respective villages and inform them of the peace agreement signed. According to Hon. (Elder) Israel Idasin, "Every agreement signed today should be honored. I will not tolerate any attempt to thwart today's agreement, especially from my people." 

The signed documents were then officially handed over to the council chairmen by the peace talks committee supervisors of both communities. 

The council chairmen then had a brotherly handshake with each other.