By Abasi Ita
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area to sustain peaceful coexistence as government intensifies efforts to resolve their lingering boundary dispute.
Odey made the appeal during a peace meeting held at Government House, Calabar, where stakeholders from both communities met with state officials to discuss lasting solutions to the crisis.
He commended the representatives of the affected communities for their calm disposition and constructive engagement during the deliberations, describing their conduct as a positive sign of commitment toward restoring peace and harmony in the area.
The deputy governor stressed the need for unity, restraint, and cooperation among residents, noting that both communities had enjoyed years of peaceful coexistence and should work collectively to preserve that relationship.
As part of resolutions reached at the meeting, the state government directed the Surveyor General, alongside the State Security Adviser, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, and five chiefs from each community, to visit the disputed area within one week for a fresh demarcation exercise.
Government explained that the exercise would be carried out based on agreed traditional boundary alignments identified by both parties.
The affected communities were also instructed to submit all documents supporting their claims to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government before the commencement of the exercise.
According to the resolutions, the Surveyor General and his team are expected to submit their findings within one week after the exercise, while another meeting will subsequently be convened at Government House to review the report and finalize the demarcation process.
The government further directed community leaders and stakeholders to sensitize youths, women, and elders on the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding actions capable of causing violence.
It warned that any breach of law and order during the process would not be tolerated, adding that the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area and clan heads of the affected communities would be held accountable for disturbances in their domains.
The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council was also mandated to work with the State Security Adviser and relevant security agencies to provide adequate security throughout the exercise.
Odey reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Government to ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful resolution of the dispute in the interest of development and stability in the area.