Tension is rising between Egba and Ologba communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue over a long-standing dispute concerning ownership of a fish pond.

The conflict, which has lingered for over five decades, has reportedly led to loss of lives in the past before it was said to have been resolved through court intervention.

However, fresh anxiety has gripped both communities following the enforcement of a Court of Appeal judgment that reportedly ceded ownership of the disputed fish pond to the Ologba community.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, a representative of the Egba community, Ikpa Amadu, raised concerns over what he described as escalating tension with their neighbours.

Amadu recalled that the dispute was initially settled in 1972 when an area court under the then Benue-Plateau administration visited the site and demarcated a boundary at Idogo.

According to him, the ruling allocated land east of Idogo to the Egba community, while the western portion was designated for the Ologba community, a development he said maintained peace for several years.

He, however, noted that tensions resurfaced in recent years following allegations by some Ologba individuals that certain Egba members had forged court documents.

Amadu further disclosed that a fresh judgment delivered in 2024 in favour of the Ologba community did not take into account the earlier ruling.

“What is disturbing the community now is that these people are planning to use the military to enforce the judgment, which I think is not good,” he said.

He urged the chairman of Agatu Local Government to caution against any action capable of escalating the situation, noting that another case on the matter is still pending in court.

The Egba community also appealed to the Benue State Government to intervene, stressing that the dispute had previously resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

Amadu emphasised that while tension remains high, community leaders have advised residents to remain calm and allow justice to prevail.

“There has not been any physical molestation, but what we are saying is that there are two judgments in place now, and we must be careful in handling the issue rather than using force. We want fairness, not violence,” he added.

He further called on the government to enforce the original boundary ruling and ensure that neither community trespasses beyond agreed limits to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed that tension heightened after court bailiffs and security personnel visited the communities last month to enforce the appellate court judgment.

Ejeh explained that the Egba community did not appeal the 2024 judgment, noting that failure to challenge the ruling implies acceptance.

“The judgment preceded my administration, but upon assumption of office, I advised the Egba people to approach the Supreme Court if they were dissatisfied. If they fail to do so, it means the judgment stands,” he said.

He added that the enforcement carried out in February by court bailiffs and security operatives from Makurdi and Otukpo officially handed over ownership of the fish pond to the Ologba community.

The chairman further stated that the local government had alerted security agencies to monitor the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Tension is expected, but we have briefed security agents to track down anyone attempting to instigate crisis in the area. If anyone is aggrieved, they should seek redress in court. We will not condone any breakdown of law and order,” he added. (TRIBUNE)