A matter of urgent public importance was brought before the Cross River State House of Assembly on Thursday as the Member Representing Biase State Constituency, Hon. Francis Ogban, moved a motion calling for immediate intervention in the long-standing land conflict between the Ipene and Ibini communities of Erei in Biase Local Government Area.
Presenting the motion during plenary, Hon. Ogban warned of renewed tensions over boundary demarcation and ownership claims. He noted that the two communities have suffered recurrent clashes over the years, posing a threat to peace, security, and economic activities in the area.
To avert another outbreak of violence, the lawmaker urged the State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action. He emphasized the need for the deployment of peace-keeping personnel to the disputed area to maintain calm, as well as the immediate invitation of both Ipene and Ibini communities by the Office of the Surveyor-General to present documents supporting their respective ownership claims.
He further called for a thorough assessment of all submitted documents to determine the rightful owner of the land, alongside a mediation meeting involving the Surveyor-General, the State Security Adviser, community leaders, and elders of Erei. Additionally, he recommended a fast-tracked resurvey and proper boundary demarcation before the next farming season to prevent further clashes and ensure lasting peace.
Hon. Ogban stressed the importance of proactive measures, stating, “Peace in Biase is non-negotiable. We must act now before grievances escalate into another tragedy.”
The motion received strong backing from several members, including Hon. Ovat Agbor (Obubra II) and Hon. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), who expressed concern over the rising cases of communal violence across Biase and other parts of the state. They urged the government to step up its responsibility of safeguarding lives and property through timely and decisive interventions.
The House is expected to communicate its resolutions to the Executive Arm for immediate action.
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