The Cross River State Government has extended the curfew imposed on the warring communities of Ugep and Idomi in Yakurr Local Government Area by another one week following continued security concerns and intelligence reports indicating rising tension in the affected areas.
The extended curfew will remain in force daily from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, on behalf of the state government.
Key Highlights:
- Cross River extends Ugep and Idomi curfew by one week
- Curfew remains effective from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily
- Government cites continued security threats and underground meetings
- Security agencies placed on red alert in affected communities
- Authorities warn against actions capable of escalating violence
- Vehicular movement on Ugep-Ikom Highway to remain uninterrupted
- Government threatens stricter measures if crisis persists
According to the statement, the decision followed a fresh assessment of the security situation and consultations with key stakeholders from both communities over the past week.
The government disclosed that it had continued to monitor alleged underground meetings and inflammatory utterances by certain individuals, which it said have kept both communities under close security watch.
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Authorities warned residents and stakeholders against activities capable of disrupting ongoing peace efforts, urging all parties to embrace dialogue and support measures aimed at restoring calm.
The statement further directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain on red alert, intensify surveillance operations and ensure strict compliance with the curfew order.
Security agencies were also instructed to ensure that movement along the Ugep-Ikom Highway remains smooth and unhindered despite the restrictions imposed on the affected communities.
The government appealed to the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, traditional rulers, clan heads, village heads and community stakeholders to cooperate fully with security agencies and sensitise residents on the need to maintain peace and order.
It warned that the state government would not hesitate to impose tougher security measures, including a total clampdown on the affected communities, if the situation fails to improve at the expiration of the extended curfew.
The crisis between the neighbouring communities has continued to generate concern among residents and security authorities amid fears of further escalation if urgent peace efforts are not sustained.
