In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of land grabbing and promote peaceful coexistence between communities in Obio/Akpor and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State, both councils held a joint meeting at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, Rumuodomaya, to deliberate on boundary matters, land disputes, and inter-local government collaboration for development.The high-level meeting brought together the Chairmen of the two councils, traditional rulers, community development leaders, youth representatives, and other key stakeholders, who expressed commitment to finding lasting solutions to boundary and land ownership disputes threatening peace in the area.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, welcomed his counterpart, Hon. Chima Njoku of Etche LGA, and other dignitaries, describing the gathering as “a meeting of brothers, a meeting of one people.”
Hon. Gift Worlu commended the proactive steps taken to convene the meeting, emphasizing the need for collaboration and unity among local governments to curb land grabbing and restore peace.
“This meeting became necessary following certain developments we noticed in our local governments. The need for us to forge a united front against our common enemies — the land grabbers — cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
The Obio/Akpor boss also recalled the long-standing relationship between both LGAs, noting that Obio/Akpor and Etche share deep cultural and historical ties that predate modern administrative boundaries.
“Our people have coexisted peacefully over the years, and in our time, we cannot depart from the ways laid down by our forefathers. Let us speak with open minds, knowing that we are talking to our brothers and sisters,” he added.
Gift Worlu proposed that a joint boundary verification committee be set up to identify and re-establish ancient boundaries between the two LGAs, beginning with key communities such as Rumuokwurusi, Rumuewara, Atali, and Naka.
He also hinted at future inter-local government collaboration in economic and social development projects, promising to visit Etche LGA officially to strengthen partnership between the two councils.
In his address, the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Hon. Chima Njoku, urged all parties to focus on leaving behind a peaceful legacy for future generations.
“If we don’t leave a legacy that speaks for us tomorrow, we have laid a wrong foundation for our children. When people cannot control the crisis now, the next generation will see land grabbing as normal,” he warned.
Njoku called for reconciliation, urging community leaders to “shift grounds” where necessary to achieve peace, stressing that no judgment can be perfect except that of God.
He described land grabbing as a “second Boko Haram” undermining community stability and prosperity, adding that greed and disobedience to traditional boundaries are fueling unnecessary conflicts.
“Let us look at this as a brotherly thing. Etche and Obio/Akpor are one people. What other chairmen could not do, let us do it during our time — to restore peace,” he concluded.
The Paramount Ruler of Igbo Etche, His Royal Majesty King Samuel Ndiwe Amaechi, lauded both chairmen for convening the meeting, describing peace as “priceless and paramount.”
“Land grabbing is a new thing brought about by greed. We all know our ancient boundaries. I urge the chairmen to invite the Surveyor-General to clearly demarcate our borders so that we can end these disputes once and for all,” he said.
King Amaechi revealed that in his kingdom, any chief found aiding land grabbers would be dethroned, adding that such acts are destroying the peace long enjoyed between Etche and Ikwerre people.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuokwurusi, Sir C. Wokoma, commended Hon. Gift Worlu for taking the bold step to confront the menace of land grabbing, which he said has been worsened by collaboration between some security agents and illegal land speculators.
“They have removed ancient landmarks and stripped us of our lands. But today, we are united to say this evil must stop,” he declared.
Sir Wokoma urged both councils to seek leave of court before embarking on any physical demarcation of boundaries since many communities already have pending cases in court over land disputes.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Atali, His Royal Highness T.O. Ejekwu, expressed hope that the new joint committee would “go beyond talk” and gather proper documentary evidence, including maps and court records, to finally resolve the lingering disputes.
“We will cooperate with the committee and present documents dating back to the 1980s to show the true boundaries. Let us end the era of land grabbing and trespass once and for all,” he affirmed.
Signed:
Obio/Akpor Press Unit
November 7, 2025
