These allegations were made in an open letter addressed to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru. The letter, jointly signed by 16 prominent stakeholders of the Ishinkwo community, was presented to the public in Abakaliki by Comrade Itumo Joseph Nwaliebu, President-General of the Ishinkwo Community Development Union (ICDU).
While commending Governor Nwifuru for his ongoing peace-building efforts across the state, the community expressed deep concern over what it described as “grave injustice” in the boundary demarcation process.
According to Comrade Nwaliebu, previous complaints submitted to the government had been ignored, prompting the open letter as a “last resort” to draw the Governor’s attention to what the community sees as a serious injustice.
The letter alleged that the boundary implementation committee disregarded the recommendations of a peace committee inaugurated by Governor Nwifuru on July 17, 2023, as well as the white paper issued on December 22, 2023, which clearly outlined the demarcation guidelines intended to ensure peace and fairness.
“The committee, chaired by the late HRH Ezeogo Engr. Ewa Elechi, completed its work and submitted far-reaching recommendations. These were accepted by the Ebonyi State Government and codified in a white paper,” the letter stated.
The white paper, the community noted, emphasized that proximity and fairness should guide the allocation of eight disputed swamp lands and provided a clear demarcation path from Amudo (the boundary between Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South) to the Ebonyi River Head Bridge at Akpuoha, covering over 16 kilometres.
However, the Ishinkwo community claimed that the current committee has deviated from these directives, accusing it of reverting to outdated boundary models that favour Abaomege. They further alleged that the surveyors often acted on Abaomege's claims without verifying the facts or giving Ishinkwo representatives an opportunity to be heard.
“For example, whenever Abaomege claimed a boundary point, caution tape was immediately placed, and bulldozers moved in. But when Ishinkwo raised objections, they were completely ignored,” the letter stated.
The community also raised alarm over alleged attempts to cede four of its sub-villages — Ugbona, Obodoma, Ukwuokwe, and Ohainya to Abaomege. This, they said, directly violates the white paper and threatens their ancestral heritage, noting that their people have lived, farmed, and buried generations of ancestors in those areas.
Another concern raised was the alleged absence of the boundary map referenced in the white paper during the current demarcation, which they described as a “calculated attempt to manipulate the outcome in favour of Abaomege.”
The community, therefore, appealed to Governor Nwifuru to intervene urgently and ensure: "Full implementation of the white paper, especially in the demarcation of the five major swamp lands — Igborkor, Idumayo, Eguachara, Obayi, and Ngene Obenwa/Okobo — based on proximity and fairness.
"Review and correction of already demarcated areas that conflict with the white paper.
"Immediate removal of non-disputed areas, including the four sub-villages, from the demarcation process.
"Acceptance of the final demarcation outcome only if it aligns with the provisions of the white paper.
“We have suffered serious prejudice since this phase of the exercise began on February 17, 2025. We are calling on His Excellency to urgently address this injustice and prevent further escalation,” the letter emphasized.
Despite their grievances, the Ishinkwo community reaffirmed their commitment to peace and expressed confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, stating, “We believe His Excellency has the interest of all Ebonyians at heart and will act promptly to ensure justice prevails.”
As of press time, the Ebonyi State Government has yet to respond officially to the issues raised in the letter.
Meanwhile, the community's Youth President, Ndubuisi Awoh, recalled that the Ishinkwo-Abaomege boundary dispute has been a longstanding source of tension, with previous clashes leading to displacement and disruption of livelihoods.
He expressed optimism that Governor Nwifuru’s administration will finally bring a lasting resolution to the decades-old conflict by ensuring strict compliance with the white paper recommendations.
