Intervene in Ekiti, Kwara boundary dispute, Reps urge commission
The House of Representatives has called on the National Boundary Commission to intervene in the boundary dispute between Ekiti and Kwara States to prevent loss of lives and property.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved by the member representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido Osi Federal Constituency of Ekiti State, Kolawole Akinlayo at plenary on Thursday.
Addressing his colleagues, Akinlayo noted that there had been a dispute between Eda Oniyo in Ekiti and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara state for a while.
He added that the two states met to address the issue and it was resolved that the disputed land be ceded to Eda Oniyo, “The rightful owner of the land.”
Despite the agreement, the lawmaker noted that the dispute has escalated “Leading to incessant attacks, killings and wanton destruction of properties in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, Eda Oniyo to be precise.”
According to Akinlayo, hoodlums have taken advantage of the crisis to vandalise cars and motorcycles and destroy businesses worth millions of naira.”
The destruction of farmland, he added, has brought untold hardship on the people, following attacks on the means of their livelihood.
He added that unless there is an official intervention to tackle the crisis, there may be a surge of violence capable of throwing the area into chaos and instability.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the National Boundary Commission in the dispute without further delay.
It also resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to probe the alleged killings and destruction of properties in Eda Oniyo.
The House further called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and heads of other security agencies to beef up security in the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
Last Saturday, the boundary dispute claimed one life on Saturday while a yet-to-be-ascertained number of people sustained injuries.
The PUNCH gathered that the boundary dispute escalated when armed men from Obo Ayegunle allegedly attacked Eda Oniyo on Saturday.
Soldiers, police and Amotekun corps operatives were on Sunday moved in to curtail the dispute.
