Land dispute: An avoidable communal crisis
The 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 43, guarantees every citizen the right to acquire and own immovable property. However, this right is not absolute and may be subject to limitations, including compulsory acquisition for public use, provided that adequate compensation is given and individuals have access to legal recourse for determining their interest and entitlements.
Communal clashes in Nigeria have been attributed to various factors, including boundary and land disputes, widespread illiteracy, forced displacement, poverty, and restricted access to natural resources. The immediate consequences of these conflicts are often devastating, leading to significant loss of life, destruction of property, displacement of residents, and disruption of social and economic systems. Such conflicts have a profound impact on development at the local government, state, and national levels.
According to reports, the ongoing land dispute between the Abaomege and Ishinkwo communities in Ebonyi State has claimed over 100 lives within the past five years. Earlier this year, the Ebonyi State Government declared the ‘Elueke’ area a buffer zone following the killing of four people in a renewed boundary dispute between Ogwor and Umuobor villages in the Ivo Local Government Area.
Similarly, conflicts between the Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities in the Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas of Osun State have resulted in numerous fatalities, the displacement of over 100,000 people, and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
A particularly shocking incident was reported earlier this year in Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were brutally beheaded over a land dispute. Reports suggest that a suspect lured them into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue before committing the gruesome act.
While it is crucial for the government to recognise and respond promptly to early warning signs to prevent communal clashes, dialogue must also be prioritised as an effective peace-building mechanism. Preventing unnecessary deaths and ensuring that no more lives are lost in avoidable conflicts should be of utmost importance.
Peace initiatives should be inclusive, engaging community leaders, religious figures, and young people—who are often at the forefront of violent clashes—in peace-building efforts. Meaningful dialogue and consultations, rather than unilateral government directives, remain the most effective means of resolving disputes, particularly those involving land.
The government must also restore public confidence in its ability to safeguard its citizens by ensuring that those who have suffered injustice receive the redress they deserve.
The failure of victims to obtain justice frequently compels them to resort to vigilante actions rather than seeking legal recourse. A more efficient and responsive criminal justice system is essential in addressing these issues and preventing further bloodshed.
