The Omuma Council of Chiefs in Rivers State has called for the resolution of boundary dispute between Rivers and Abia States to avert looming crisis.
His Royal Highness, Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe, speaking on behalf of the Omuma Council of Chiefs made the call at the ongoing interactive session being organized by the state government in an effort to sustain peace in the state.
The monarch lamented that Omuma, an oil-producing LGA, is excluded from oil derivation benefits because some oil wells have been wrongly allotted to Abia State, necessitating urgent boundary resolution to prevent future crises.
Also speaking, the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA, Mr. Manager Ikechi Nwala, outlined pressing issues affecting the area, including land grabbing and politically motivated arrests of Omuma indigenes.
He fingered a serving Divisional Police .Officer DPO, in the area for aiding and abetting oil bunkering activities and called for his redeployment.
Other challenges highlighted at the forum include, the need for youth employment and skills acquisition programs, improved healthcare services, as observed at the Omuma General Hospital and establishment of additional police posts to enhance security.
Responding,Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju who represented the Sole Administrator emphasized that the meeting was crucial for understanding the welfare and security challenges faced by Omuma LGA and for developing actionable solutions.
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The Commissioner stressed that security is everyone’s business and called on the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA, Mr. Manager Ikechi Nwala, to hold regular town hall meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, and youth groups to ensure lasting peace in the area.
CP Adepoju urged stakeholders to protect government facilities and report suspicious activities promptly.
He also encouraged the LGA leadership to identify non-functional but impactful projects for government intervention
He also assured that the allegations against the DPO would be investigated, and appropriate action taken.
“The Rivers State Government will review boundary disputes with Abia State to ensure fair resource allocation”, he stressed adding that more security deployments will be made to Omuma to tackle oil bunkering and land grabbing.
He said that rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including healthcare and education facilities, will be prioritized.
