The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reiterated its commitment to resolving all boundary disputes across the country, particularly between Osun and Oyo states.
The Director-General (D-G) of the Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this in Osogbo at the start of a two-day visit to investigate inter-boundary complaints between communities in the two states.
Adaji said the Commission would use the visit to sensitise stakeholders in the affected communities on the need for peaceful coexistence rather than resorting to violence.
He added that the Commission would engage parties in the concerned communities and scrutinise documents presented by each side in order to determine and resolve the disputes.
“The documents to define the boundaries are not clear in some cases, and that has created a major issue which we want to address.
We urge both governors to come together and address the matter for the safety of lives and properties.
We had a series of complaints from some communities over boundary matters, and we are here to ensure that the issue is resolved.
We suggest that the Osun governor and his Oyo counterpart constitute peace and security committees while the boundary-related matter is being resolved.”
Also Read: NBC Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence in Border Communities
He further commended the Nigeria Police for its intervention in inter-communal conflicts arising from boundary disputes.
The D-G noted that the role of security personnel could not be overemphasised, considering their proactive efforts in restoring peace to the two affected states.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr Kola Adewusi, commended the Commission and its team for visiting the state to help ensure resolution of the boundary issues in contention.
Adewusi said the solution to the boundary conflict between Osun and Oyo states would likely involve “a give and take” approach rather than the destruction of lives and properties.
He stated that the two governors had agreed to resolve the matter permanently by deploying their deputies to the affected communities to engage with stakeholders.
According to him, the riot act was read to the warring communities to put an end to further clashes and allow peace to reign.
Earlier, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11 Command, Osun, Mr Emuogo Ekokotu, said stakeholder meetings had been held between the conflicting communities in Osun and Oyo.
