Benue community raises alarm over fresh boundary dispute

The Egba community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday raised concerns over renewed tensions with the neighbouring Ologba community following a dispute over pond ownership. The age-long conflict over the Ochulo fish pond has previously led to the loss of lives and destruction of property. The dispute had defied solutions for […]

The Egba community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday raised concerns over renewed tensions with the neighbouring Ologba community following a dispute over pond ownership.

The age-long conflict over the Ochulo fish pond has previously led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

The dispute had defied solutions for decades until 2022, when a peace deal was brokered by Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and the state government.

Ikpa Amadu, a representative of the Egba community, traced the dispute back to 1972 during an interview with journalists in Makurdi.

He noted that an area court under the then Benue-Plateau administration visited the site and established a boundary at Idogo.

According to Amadu, that ruling allocated land east of Idogo to Egba, while the western portion was designated for Ologba—an arrangement that maintained relative peace for years.

Amadu stated that the situation has deteriorated recently following fresh claims over the pond, including allegations by some Ologba individuals accusing certain Egba persons of forging court documents.

He further noted that a 2024 judgment delivered in favor of Ologba has heightened tensions, as it allegedly failed to consider the earlier 1972 ruling.

The Egba community also expressed concern over reported plans to involve the military in enforcing the latest judgment, warning that such a move could escalate the crisis.

Amadu urged the Agatu LGA Chairman to caution against any attempt to “take the law into private hands,” noting that another related case is still pending in court.

Egba leaders have appealed to the Benue State government for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed. While maintaining that there has been no recent physical confrontation, they called for restraint and urged authorities to enforce the original boundary ruling.

Conversely, a native of Ologba, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told our correspondent via telephone that several court judgments in favor of his community were never appealed by the Egba people.

“It was this recent ruling in favor of Ologba to enforce ownership of the disputed area that seems to be causing the tension,” the resident said.

When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, admitted to rising tensions but assured that the situation is being monitored by security operatives.

“We have put security measures in place to forestall any crisis. We are also engaging a neutral body to sit with both parties for an amicable resolution,” Ejeh stated. “I can assure you that we will reach a peaceful conclusion and it won’t resort to further crisis.”