Benue-Taraba move towards demarcation of interstate boundary

By Ede Ogaba Ede

In a conscious effort to fasten the definition and demarcation of the Benue /Taraba interstate boundary, the bilateral meeting of officials of the two states and that of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) today resolved to involve the governors of the two states more in the resolution of the issues and make available to them the comprehensive maps of the 1996 fieldwork based on the 1923/24 description so that they can expeditiously study and with input from stakeholders interface bilaterally on areas of concern to both sides.

The bilateral meeting which took place today in Abuja further resolved that after the interface, the two state governments shall report to the NBC not later than end of January 2020 after which the NBC shall convene another meeting to discuss the needs of the states as well as plan the way forward.

Benue State deputy governor, Engr Benson Abounu led Benue State team to the meeting while Taraba State delegation was led by Engr Haruna Manu. The acting Director General of the NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji led the NBC team.

In his welcome address, Engr Benson Abounu stressed the need for peace in the border corridor and highlighted the various efforts put by the two state governments into finding lasting peace in the area.

He called on the communities there to support the peaceful demarcation of the boundary and to see boundaries not as lines of division but as tools for administrative convenience.

He charged the leaders of the various communities to embark on massive sensitization of people in their areas to embrace and fully support the forthcoming demarcation exercise.

In his remarks, Taraba State deputy governor, Engr Manu, who also stressed the need for peace in the troubled area called on the people to change their concept of boundary and see boundaries as bridges of opportunities, and cooperation between communities not as barriers to development.

Also speaking, Surveyor Adaji thanked Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Arc. Darius Ishaku of Taraba State for their untiring support for the peace process. He enumerated the outlined activities planned towards the demarcation work and solicited the support of the states and the affected communities.