The chairman of Igbo-Etiti local government area of Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has flagged off the demarcation of the Aku/ Ikolo boundary to end a long-standing land dispute between the two communities.
The land dispute, which started in 1941, has claimed several lives and destroyed properties over the years.
Flagging off the exercise in Ogbede on Friday, Odo said the lives lost and properties destroyed over the years could have been avoided if adequate steps had been taken.
Odo, an experienced surgeon, noted that with the demarcation exercise, his administration has amicably resolved the issue between the two communities.
He maintained that the resolution was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to restore peace and unity in the communities, saying it would permanently end the crisis that had caused psychological and economic hardship to the people.
The council boss commended Governor Peter Mbah and his deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, for providing the enabling environment for peace to return to the two communities.
Traditional rulers, presidents-general and councillors from both communities pledged their commitment to a lasting peace and mutual coexistence.
Community leaders and residents of both Aku and Ikolo hailed Odo’s intervention as a historic step that would guarantee the safety of lives and property in the areas.
