The Cross River State government has announced a relaxation of the curfew imposed on the two warring communities of Ugep and Idomi in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, to allow residents resume normal activities, even as security presence remains high in the two communities.
Also, the state government has adopted the report of the state surveyor general on the boundary dispute, in an attempt to de-escalate tension between the warring communities.
At a high-level peace meeting with political and traditional stakeholders in Yakurr Local Government Area, the state Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, strongly condemned the loss of lives and destruction of property in the communal clash.
He assured victims of the state government’s support and relief, while issuing a firm warning to troublemakers.
“Any individual or group fanning the embers of conflict will be tracked and dealt with decisively under the law,” he stated.
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On the disputed boundary, the deputy governor adopted the report of the Surveyor-General, Patrick Bassey which demarcates the land as 45 percent to Ugep, 40 percent to Idomi, and 15 percent as a government buffer zone.
“No farming or encroachment will be tolerated in the 15 percent buffer zone. It is government land. All parties must remain within their allocated portions,” Odey warned.
The meeting which was chaired by Odey at the Biase Local Government Council secretariat, had in attendance the traditional rulers of Ugep and Yakurr; their chiefs, and the local government Chairman, Yibala Inyang.
Also present were Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information; Maj. Gen. Obono Ubi (rtd), State Security Adviser; Eyong Edordi, Chairman of Biase Local Government Area; and heads of all security agencies in the state.
