Efforts by the Ebonyi State Government to resolve protracted land and boundary disputes are beginning to deliver tangible results, the Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Professor Awo Nwobasi, has said.

Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, Nwobasi said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru has made significant progress in settling disputes that have lingered for decades—some for over a century.
According to him, the ministry has successfully resolved several long-standing conflicts, while many others are at advanced stages through sustained dialogue and mediation.
He, however, decried the activities of individuals who exploit communal crises for personal gain, warning that the government would not tolerate such actions.

“It is disturbing that some persons have turned crises into a business venture, deceiving unsuspecting community members into funding conflicts for their own benefit. Such practices must stop, or those involved will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The commissioner expressed optimism that with growing awareness, education, and societal advancement, the recurring issues of land grabbing and boundary disputes would gradually fade.
Nwobasi noted that since assuming office in July 2025, he inherited “a catalogue of complex disputes,” but said the ministry has adopted diplomatic and inclusive approaches to address them.

He listed communities in Ebonyi State where interventions have yielded results to include Nduakparata and Nduezeoke, Abomege and Ishinkwo, as well as Ose Edda Ndukwe and Okporojo.
Other affected areas, he said, include Nkalaha, Umuogodoakpu, and Ezza-Nkalaha, where the ministry has held a series of strategic engagements aimed at restoring peace.
“We have engaged the parties through sustained dialogue and mediation, encouraging them to speak truthfully and embrace reconciliation. That is the only way to achieve lasting peace,” he stated.

Nwobasi further revealed that some of the disputes date back to as far as 1912 and 1933, describing the progress made so far as a major breakthrough in the state’s conflict resolution efforts.
“There are cases that have lasted over 100 years. Many have been resolved, while others are nearing conclusion. We remain committed to ensuring that all are settled,” he said.
He attributed most of the conflicts to historical migration patterns, land grabbing, and the remnants of conquest-era practices, which he said are no longer acceptable in a modern society.

“In the past, people moved to conquer and occupy land. That era is gone. We cannot continue to justify conflict on such outdated practices. Our focus now is peaceful coexistence and respect for boundaries,” he added.
He called on community leaders and residents to support government efforts by promoting dialogue and avoiding actions capable of reigniting tensions.