The Governor of Niger, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Wednesday identified insincerity and falsification of documented records as the main cause of most boundary disputes between people, communities and states in Nigeria.
Bello was reacting to the boundary issues between Mokwa and Katcha, Tafa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and between Bida and Kontagora Emirate Councils which have built up tension among the feuding communities.
While inaugurating a-14 man Boundary Resolution Committee headed by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ketso, Governor Bello argued that once people are ready to go by the records and are honest with available facts and figures, dispute over land will be minimized.
“For me, the records are there for all to see in determining the boundaries and all we need is to be honest with ourselves by saying things as they are. Every community should confine itself to what is rightfully theirs, Governor Bello said.
According to him, “The era of commandeering land is over because we are going to abide strictly by available records to ensure an end to land encroachments within this state and between us and neighbouring states.
“Boundary issues and disagreements are not only very critical but very sensitive in our multi-ethnic enclave because they border on the people’s access to land and related resources.”
Bello however sued for a clear interpretation and physical demarcation of boundaries to avoid deliberate or ignorant encroachments into other people’s territory.
“I must emphasize that these inter-state, inter and intra-local government council boundaries are to a greater extent still imaginary except where we have natural features like rivers. Therefore, until the boundaries are clearly interpreted and physically demarcated on the ground, we would continue to either ignorantly or deliberately encroach on each other’s territory”.
Bello maintained that his administration remains passionate about exploring constitutional approach to ensure peaceful co-existence among the different ethnic nationalities in Niger State and with neighbouring states through alternative land settlement strategies.
Chairman of the committee and the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ketso, assured the governor of their readiness to work and ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the people of the state and neighbouring states.
The committee has 13 terms of reference to enable it discharge its duties within specified time.
