The Anambra Police Command has advised communities embroiled in serious boundary disputes to explore the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve their differences.
The advice, which was credited to the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Ikioye Orutugu, is contained in a statement issued in Awka on Tuesday by the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the CP is seeking to explore ADR to bringing the boundary dispute between Ikenga and Isiokwe Villages in Umueri and Aguleri to an end.
The statement noted that the approach became necessary not only to resolve the boundary dispute between the two villages, but also to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation in the larger Umueri and Aguleri communities.
It stated that the CP interviewed the principal parties in the long-drawn dispute that led to the murder of one and destruction of property in the area on March 16.
The CP was quoted to have solicited the cooperation of the two communities to identify the persons behind the mayhem and ensure that justice was served.
He was also said to have condoled with the family and friends of the deceased and urged the parties to set up a committee to visit the bereaved family and also assuage the pains of those whose property was destroyed.
“He directed each community to request for the government’s decision over the boundary adjustment, whenever in doubt,” the statement added.
Orutugu expressed optimism that the platform would provide the parties with the proceedings to resolve their differences amicably, without resorting to unnecessary and cumbersome litigation processes and violence.
He stated that in their responses, both communities agreed to work together, especially to discuss their differences based on government’s interventions.
“They also agreed to partner with relevant stakeholders to work out modalities to ensure lasting peace, especially on boundary matters.
The meeting was attended by the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, and his Aguleri counterpart, Dr Michael Idigo, the Chairman of Anambra East Local Governmen, John Metchie, the President-Generals of the two communities, Mr John Metchie and Mr Iloakasia Ifeanyi, among other stakeholders