Two prominent groups in Rivers State, the Eleme PhD Forum (EPF) and the Eleme Graduates Forum (EGF), have urged the state government to immediately demarcate the boundary between Eleme and Okrika Local Government Areas to prevent further communal clashes.
The groups made the appeal following renewed tension between communities in both LGAs, which recently led to violent confrontations and the arrest of some political appointees in Eleme.
Reports indicate that about two weeks ago, heavy gunfire erupted around the boundary linking the two communities amid allegations and counter-allegations of land encroachment.
In a joint statement issued in Alesa-Eleme, the groups described the official demarcation of the boundary as the most practical and lasting solution to the recurring dispute.
The statement, signed by Dr. Joseph Obele, President of the EPF, and Engr. Eric Chujor, President of the EGF, urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recommendations contained in the state’s White Paper on the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Eleme-Okrika crisis.
According to the groups, previous findings by the commission, as well as an existing Supreme Court judgment, support Eleme’s claims over the disputed areas.
They maintained that locations stretching towards parts of Okrika, including Abam Community, Okochiri Community, the PPMC Jetty, OGS Secondary School, Okrika Motor Park and Okrika General Hospital, are part of Eleme territory.
The groups reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the protection and recovery of the disputed areas through lawful and constitutional means, while calling on the Rivers State Government to take urgent action to prevent further violence.
They stressed that a clearly defined boundary would promote peaceful coexistence and bring an end to years of recurring disputes between both communities.
