By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has urged Bauchi and Yobe state governments to scale up sensitisation activities in border communities to promote peaceful coexistence and facilitate harmonious resolution of interstate boundary disputes.

The Director-General of NBC, Adamu Adaji made the call at the Joint meeting of officials of the Bauchi and Yobe interstate boundary on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Adaji, the Bauchi-Yobe interstate boundary is approximately 170 kilometers in length.

He said that some of the documents identified to be relevant to the boundary include the Nigeria Gazette No. 61 of 1963 and the Legal Notice of 1965 of Northern Nigeria.

“The intervention on this boundary dates back to the period when the about 40km long Fika/Darazo sector was disputed and the then Military Administrators of the two states had to address it.

“To achieve that amicable result was the BABO Accord of 1986 settlement, the governments of the two states had to apply the ground to paper approach and also imbibe the spirit of give and take.

“With the support of the affected border communities, the remaining 130km sector of the boundary had been traced provisionally demarcated but the States differed in six areas.

“It must be re-emphasised that a boundary line is for administrative purpose and will not severe people from their farmlands or properties across the boundary lines.

“What is required is for the States’ Boundary Committees and indeed the Local Boundary Committees to carry out adequate sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns on the imperatives of interstate boundaries,’’ Adaji stressed.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of Bauchi State Boundary Commission, Sen. Baba Tela described the meeting as strategic to discuss the modalities to be adopted towards the final demarcation of the boundary.

Tela hope that this fine gesture of the NBC which started with other boundaries would be maintained and sustained.

“At this juncture, I would like to posit that no community or state can survive or flourish without the active support and cooperation of one another.

“Therefore, the need for peaceful coexistence of communities along our common border cannot be overemphasised.

“Bauchi and Yobe have coexisted peacefully since when they were together under the Northern Region of Nigeria. Even with the creation of the two states, this peaceful coexistence continued up till now.

“However, from records, we have received some reports of boundary dispute between the two states, but, because of administrative convenience, it is significant to demarcate our boundaries.

“The demarcation would lead to stronger political stability where the socio-cultural and economic activities between the various interlinking communities would continue to flourish.

“The boundary is volatile as complaints are received frequently, especially between Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State and Jakusko Local Government Area, Yobe at Jada/Tundu axis,’’ Tela said.

The Bauchi deputy governor emphasised that the meetings of this nature would surely solidify and provide the unique opportunity for understanding, as well as appreciating the supportive role of the federal, states and local government functionaries.

“I would, therefore, request for the proper demarcation of our interstate boundary so as not to temper with the existing peace at the border’’.

For his part, the Deputy Governor of Yobe, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana said the current mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and commitment by the two states would continue to inspire the states in subsequent  boundary  administration.

“I really have confidence in the ability of our officials to address issues that prevented them from making recommendations on some yet to be resolved grey areas, if there is any.

“I commend Adaji for his good initiatives towards amicable resolutions of all our boundary disputes.

“I want to assure NBC that Yobe is committed to the continuous cooperation with NBC on all boundary matters and development of border communities,” Gubana said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together traditional and religious leaders, local council officials, Suveyor General from the two states and officials from the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation. (NAN)