Boundary Disputes: Embrace Dialogue, Banigo Tells Communities

The Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman, State Boundary Committee, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has charged the people of Barako and Nwebiara in Gokana Local Government Area to lay down their arms and live in peace with one another.
Banigo gave the charge while addressing representatives of Barako and Nwebiara during a fact finding tour of the disputed boundaries involving the two communities.
Represented by the Chairman of Barako/Nwebiara Boundary Demarcation Technical Committee, King Kaleh Obuge, the deputy governor urged the two neighbouring communities to embrace dialogue and amicable resolution of their boundary disputes, rather than taking laws into their hands, in order not to undermine the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.
She reminded them of the pains and anguish that are usually associated with communal clashes occasioned by disputed boundary issues, and warned them that the state government would be compelled to take drastic measures against any individual or group found fomenting trouble in the area.
Banigo assured the people that the state government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure that the boundary dispute is resolved, and sued for their support and co-operation to achieve set goals.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr. Louis Alawa, decried the incessant boundary dispute in the area, describing the peace initiative by the state government as a noble and remarkable process that would usher-in sustainable peace in the area.
Other members of the Barako/Nwebiara Boundary Demarcation Technical Committee, who embarked on tour of the disputed area include, the D.P.O in-charge of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr. Saiah Precious, Mrs. Belema Bobmanuel, Mrs. Mma Agetua, Mr. Benson Eze Benjamin and the Secretary, Mrs. Gloria Dans.