The Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, Chief Chima Njoku Boniface, has apologised to the Nigerian Army over false information surrounding a disputed parcel of land in the area and warned communities against spreading unverified claims capable of causing tension.
Chief Njoku gave the warning while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot assessment of the disputed land between the Igbo Etche community and the Nigerian Army.
He tendered an unreserved apology to the Army over what he described as a false alarm raised by members of the community, commending military personnel for their professionalism and maturity in sustaining cordial civil–military relations.
According to the council chairman, the land in question forms part of the Nigerian Army Shooting Range and legally belongs to the Army, not the Igbo Etche community. He explained that the Army lawfully acquired the land in 1976 and backed its claim with authentic documents, including a valid Certificate of Occupancy dated the same year.
Chief Njoku also praised Corporal Bright Chimezie for his professional conduct in safeguarding government property and upholding the integrity of the Nigerian Army.
He, however, criticised claims by the Igbo Etche community, describing as misleading and unfounded the presentation of documents allegedly dated 2025 without a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army, Major A. H. Kasallah expressed appreciation to the council chairman for his swift intervention and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism and peaceful coexistence with host communities.
