By: Jibrin Hussaini Kundum,Bauchi
In a significant development, border communities in Bauchi and Jigawa states have pledged to live in harmony, putting an end to boundary disputes in their domains.
This development comes on the heels of a field exercise conducted by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Office of Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) to demarcate border lines connecting the two states.
The Ward Head of Tudun Wada Village in Warji Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Mallam Khamisu Ahmad and his counterpart of Dubau Community in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Musa Adamu made the commitment at a concession area along the border lines of both states.
The NBC Team Leader, Surveyor Yusuf Ibrahim Jalo, explained that the exercise aims to address boundary disputes, particularly in unresolved border areas (Grey Areas), by tracing of existing boundary pillars and demarcating boundaries.
Surveyor Yusuf Jalo said no doubt the move will enlighten rural communities sharing borders with Bauchi and Jigawa states.
In his remarks during the exercise,The Bauchi State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, appreciated the NBC’s efforts to resolve boundary disputes amicably.
Auwal Jatau through his Special Assistant on Boundary Matters Alhaji Ahmad Garba, noted that since 1985, the state has been working to find lasting solutions to boundary challenges, including tracing of boundary pillars, demarcation, embarkment barrier and transborder farming agreements between communities.
In their sperate contributions, The Deputy Chairmen of Warji LGA Bauchi State and Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Habib Idris Tiyin and Abdulkarim Musa, respectively, commended their states’ boundary commissions for their efforts and assured their commitment to maintaining peace and unity in their areas.
The exercise team was also at Marbini and Zumburum border communities of two affected states on a similar purpose.