The Cross River State Government has moved to end the lingering boundary dispute between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, announcing a one-week timeline for the commencement of boundary demarcation.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, transparent and lasting resolution of the crisis, stressing that peace remains critical to sustainable development.
The decision followed a peace meeting held, Monday, at Government House, Calabar, presided over by the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, SBC, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
Commending both communities for their peaceful disposition, Odey described their willingness to embrace dialogue as a strong signal of their commitment to coexistence.
The meeting had in attendance the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, the Clan Head of Idomi, the State Security Adviser, the Surveyor-General, among other stakeholders.
Briefing journalists on the outcome, the deputy governor said the Surveyor-General, alongside the State Security Adviser, the Council Chairman and representatives of both communities, would move to the disputed area within one week to carry out a physical verification exercise.
Each of the communities, it said, is expected to nominate five chiefs to participate in the exercise, which will be guided by mutually agreed traditional boundary alignments.
Stakeholders were also directed to submit all relevant documents supporting their claims to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government before the exercise begins.
According to the government, the Surveyor-General and his team are to submit a report within one week after the exercise, to be followed by a review meeting at Government House to finalise the boundary.
It warned that any breach of peace would not be tolerated, urging community leaders to sensitise residents, particularly youths, women and elders, on the need for restraint.
The Paramount Ruler and clan heads, Odey added, would be held accountable for maintaining law and order, while the Council Chairman has been mandated to ensure security in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Odey, however, stressed the need for unity and cooperation, noting that both communities have coexisted peacefully over the years and must work together to sustain that legacy.
