The Deputy Governor of Kogi State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Comrade Joel Salifu, has called for a peaceful resolution of the longstanding boundary disputes between Kogi and Edo states.

Salifu made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the Joint Meeting of Officials of the Edo/Kogi Interstate Boundary Committee. The meeting, convened by the National Boundary Commission, was attended by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Dennis Idahosa, and the Edo State delegation, with the aim of enhancing boundary definition and final demarcation.

In his remarks, Salifu commended the commission for convening the meeting at a critical time and observed that while the boundary has experienced disputes in the past, both states are now committed to resolving outstanding issues peacefully. He noted that previous attempts at demarcation were stalled due to unresolved matters and insufficient sensitisation of border communities, stressing the need to revisit grey areas to secure local cooperation.

Salifu highlighted key areas of concern, including the Ogori/Ekpedo and Okene/Okpella sectors, as well as Ake Island. He also urged the commission to address emerging tensions in border communities such as Ibaji in Kogi State and Uloshi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State over farmland ownership.

He advocated for the creation of an inclusive demarcation team involving traditional institutions and other stakeholders, and appealed for both states to establish committees to sensitise their populations, ensuring a peaceful boundary delimitation exercise.

“Kogi State’s participation shows the government of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to peaceful resolution of boundary matters, strengthened inter-state cooperation, and support for federal initiatives aimed at providing clarity, peace, and stability along state boundaries,” Salifu said.