By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
After years of living in acrimony due to age-long boundary crisis, indigenes of Iwukem community in Akwa Ibom state and thier neighbours in Azumini in Abia State have finally settled for lasting peace.
The boundary crisis which has been recurring since the 1980s has led to the loss of many lives and destruction of property.
But the decision to live in peace according to Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom State, SP Odiko Macdon, came after a crucial meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olateyo Durosinmi at the weekend in Uyo.
Only last week, a looming clash that would have led to bloodbath was averted after the Peace meeting, initiated by CP Durosinmi and the Commanding Officer of 25 PMF, Azumini, ACP Dashua Abuja.
SP Macdon in a statement issued last Tuesday, pointed out that stakeholders at the crucial meeting included the community leaders, youth leaders, local government chairmen, area commanders of Etim Ekpo and Akwete, DPOs from Iwukem and Azumini in Akwa Ibom and Abia states respectively, amongst others.
At the meeting, SP Macdon explained that, the CP implored the people to know that there cannot be any meaningful development without peace, and urged both Communities to sheathe their sword, embrace peace, see themselves as brothers and allow Government to bring the needed development to their communities.
On their part, leaders of both communities were grateful to the CP for his timely intervention and assured him of peaceful coexistence henceforth.
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