Abia State Government has reassured the people of Azumini Ndoki and Akiirika Obu communities in Ukwa East LGA that they would not be annexed to Akwa Ibom State.

Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, gave the assurance at the Government House, Umuahia, during a meeting with members of the Azumini Ndoki and Akirika Obu communities regarding a boundary dispute with Ika LGA in Akwa Ibom State.

Emetu expressed displeasure over the inability of previous administrations to resolve boundary issues troubling the peace of the State despite handy Supreme Court judgements and maps delivered for implementation.

He said that Governor Alex Otti will make every effort to resolve the issues permanently and prevent future crises and urged community leaders to maintain peace as necessary arrangements were being made to deploy security agencies to protect the area.

He warned that any group obstructing development projects would face arrest by security officers assigned to the area and advised the communities not to let their fears halt current road projects in Azumini Ndoki and Akirika Obu road which he said is intended for infrastructure improvement in Abia State.

He called on the people of Azumiri with damaged properties to promptly claim the compensation provided by the Akwa Ibom State Government which extended road construction project into Abia State.

Speaking earlier, the spokespersons of Azumini Ndoki and Akirika Obu communities, Philip Nnah and Okechukwu Nna, respectively, decried the attitude of Akwa Ibom people in the ongoing construction works in both communities.

The two communities appealed to the State Government to act promptly to prevent inter state conflict that can lead to loss of lives and property.

You won’t be annexed to Akwa Ibom – Abia Govt reassures Azumini Ndoki, Akiirika Obu communities