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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The people of Ologba community in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have called on the federal and state governments to establish a military post at their border with the neighbouring Egba community to curtail the constant dispute over a fish pond.
The Ologba Development Association (ODA) spokesman, Boniface Stephen, made this call in a statement responding to a press conference held by the Egba community led by Clement Oyaje. Oyaje had accused the Ologba community of barricading routes linking the two communities, preventing access to social and business activities.
Stephen called on leaders and traditional rulers in Agatu LGA to intervene in the dispute and ensure peace is restored. He also urged the Egba community to respect the court verdict on the disputed fish pond.
Stephen displayed court judgments to support his claims, stating that the one Oyaje was brandishing was forged. He stated that the Ologba community won the case over the Aila fish pond in 1975.
“The people of Egba jumped out of the disputed area to claim fish ponds outside the disputed area. They are claiming Okatabu fish ponds which is located at Aila,” Stephen said. “The case went to court in case No CV/218/75. Egba lost the case. The judgment was decided in favour of the Ologba community as the rightful owner of the fish pond.”
Stephen denied blocking the road, stating that it belongs to the government and no one has the power to block it. He appealed to the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, for intervention and urged all leaders and stakeholders to work towards uniting the communities.
