Osonwa Renews Push for Lasting Solution to Isu Boundary Crisis
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
By Rita Onuoha
UMUAHIA, Abia State — The Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has renewed his call for a lasting resolution to the protracted boundary crisis between communities in Isu, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, and neighbouring communities in Cross River State.
The lawmaker said his efforts to address the crisis predated the recent incidents that again drew public attention to the troubled area, stressing that legislative interventions must be backed by sustained security measures, humanitarian assistance and definitive boundary delineation.
Isu, an agrarian community in Arochukwu LGA, lies along Abia State's boundary with Cross River State. The area has witnessed recurring clashes over land and boundary claims involving neighbouring communities in Cross River. The dispute has persisted for years, with previous clashes resulting in deaths, destruction of property and displacement of residents. The National Boundary Commission has also been involved in efforts to resolve the boundary question.
According to Osonwa, he first raised the security concerns at the National Assembly on October 25, 2023, when he co-sponsored a motion with Hon. Inyang Lemke, representing Biase Federal Constituency, seeking the establishment of a Forward Operating Base at the Isu boundary.
Osonwa said his request for military deployment was informed by his assessment that the police might not have sufficient capacity to effectively secure the remote and troubled boundary area. The House, however, amended the motion to limit the immediate security intervention to the police and other relevant security agencies.
He said the situation deteriorated further about seven months later when another attack occurred in Isu, resulting in the death of Mrs. Alade Kalu Elem of Obiezu/Ohabuike, while a 90-year-old woman sustained a gunshot injury.
Following the incident, the federal lawmaker said he returned to the House to renew his call for military intervention and the establishment of a peacekeeping post between the affected communities.
He also called for intensified action by the National Boundary Commission to properly delineate the disputed boundary, arguing that a clearly defined boundary remains critical to preventing recurring hostilities.
The House, according to Osonwa, also observed a moment of silence in honour of the late Mrs. Elem, ensuring that her death was formally recorded in the proceedings of the National Assembly.
The lawmaker said his interventions have also extended beyond legislative motions to direct support for residents affected by the crisis.
He disclosed that solar-powered streetlights were provided at Obieze Market, while food relief was distributed to families displaced by the conflict.
“At my request, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Abia State Boundary Commission convened a security meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Commander of 14 Brigade Ohafia,” Osonwa said.
He added that discussions had also been extended to the Deputy Governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states as stakeholders continue efforts to achieve a peaceful and sustainable resolution.
Osonwa further pointed to what he described as coordinated representation at different levels of government, noting that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu had raised the matter in the Senate, while Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu had pursued interventions at the Abia State House of Assembly.
He said Uchenna Okoro Kalu also visited Isu alongside his Chief of Staff to assess the situation and engage with residents.
The federal lawmaker maintained that effective representation should not end with speeches or motions but must involve sustained engagement until concrete solutions are delivered.
“Anyone can speak once about a crisis. The test is whether you were speaking about it before it became news, and whether you were still on it long after the news moved on,” he said.
While acknowledging that the underlying boundary dispute remains unresolved, Osonwa pledged to continue pursuing security, dialogue and proper boundary delineation.
“The boundary is not yet settled. I will not stop working on it until it is,” he declared.
