By Olivia Ambrose, JKNewsMedia Intern, Edo State
BOUNDARY DISPUTES across Nigeria continue to endanger lives and destabilize communities, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori warned on Wednesday.
Speaking at a workshop in Asaba themed “Towards Secure, Peaceful and Prosperous Borders,” Oborevwori emphasized that these conflicts hinder peace, security, and economic prosperity, with significant impacts on border communities.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted that since colonial times, boundary disputes have posed challenges to national stability, often resulting in death, displacement, and destruction.
He cited reports showing that 676 people lost their lives between January 2018 and August 2022 due to communal and boundary clashes.
In Delta State, he noted, over 80% of these conflicts stem from land disputes related to farming, mining, and other economically significant activities, leading to numerous internally displaced persons facing harsh conditions in makeshift camps.
Oborevwori urged the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to intensify its efforts in resolving these conflicts and to launch public enlightenment initiatives to educate communities on respecting boundaries.
He called for objectivity, neutrality, and integrity from the Commission to build trust and avoid perceptions of bias, stressing that effective conflict resolution is vital to national security and requires strong political commitment from the government.
“An effective conflict resolution mechanism is essential to national security. It is crucial for the government to implement recommendations to resolve these disputes amicably and prevent future conflicts,” he said, reiterating Delta State’s commitment to partnering with the Commission in supporting border security.
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, expressed hope in the African Union Border Governance Strategy’s efforts toward sustainable border governance.
He noted the historical challenges of colonial-era boundary divisions, which fragmented ethnic groups and bundled diverse communities within artificial national borders.
Deputy Governors of Rivers States, Professor Ngozi Odu, and Bayelsa’S Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor echoed calls for regular discussions to address boundary issues proactively.
Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, affirmed that the workshop was designed to engage coastal states, local government areas, and traditional rulers to foster effective border governance.
Traditional leaders from the South-West and South-South regions, alongside other stakeholders, attended the event to support coordinated solutions for boundary management.
