Magnus Aluma
The Ebonyi State Government has set December 2026 as the deadline for completion of the ongoing boundary demarcation exercise in the Effium community, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, which has been bedevilled by conflict.
Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Matthew Nwobashi, said the project has reached about 80 per cent completion.
He described the exercise as a critical component of government’s efforts to secure lasting peace in the area after years of bloody communal conflict.
According to the Commissioner, “the exercise was initiated following the successful intervention of Governor Nwifuru’s administration in the protracted crisis between Effium and Ezza/Effium communities.
The conflict has claimed many lives, while properties worth billions of naira were also destroyed.
He explained that the exercise involved the proper demarcation of the newly created autonomous communities of Alioma, Ezekunna Alioma, Ekirigwe, Ejem and Effium, alongside the old Effium and Ezza/Effium communities affected by the conflict.
“The demarcation has reached about 80 per cent completion, and we are working towards concluding it by December this year.
“The process has been transparent and fair to all parties involved,” he stated.
Nwobashi dismissed allegations that the boundary delineation exercise was designed to favour some groups of people, adding that all communities captured in the peace arrangement were adequately accommodated.
He noted that the exercise was aimed at providing a permanent framework for peaceful coexistence among the affected communities and preventing future disputes over land ownership and territorial boundaries.
The commissioner stressed that the state government was committed to the implementation of all aspects of the Effium peace accord, to ensure sustainable peace, security, and development in the community.
Speaking on land administration, the Commissioner said the ministry had continued to address challenges arising from multiple sales of the same plots of land.
He noted that such disputes were usually detected during registration and documentation processes.
He disclosed that the state Ministry of Land and Survey regularly invites affected parties for reconciliation and verification of ownership records of disputed properties.
“We have mechanisms in place to identify irregularities in land transactions.
“Once discovered, we normally bring the parties involved together and resolve the issues, based on available records and established procedures,” he noted.
The commissioner also restated the commitment of the state government towards transparent land administration and the protection of public assets across the state.
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