By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to resolve the lingering boundary dispute between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area through a fresh demarcation exercise.
The decision followed a peace meeting held at Government House, Calabar, presided over by the Deputy Governor of the state and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
Odey commended representatives of both communities for their conduct during the engagement, describing it as a clear indication of their willingness to embrace lasting peace.
“I must commend the maturity and restraint shown by both sides. It shows that peace is achievable if we remain committed,” he said.
He urged the communities to remain calm and work together to sustain the long standing relationship they had enjoyed over the years.
“We should not allow boundary disagreements to destroy the peace and unity that have existed among our people for generations,” he added.
As part of resolutions reached at the meeting, the state government directed the Surveyor General, the State Security Adviser, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, and five chiefs from each of the affected communities to proceed to the disputed area within one week to carry out a fresh demarcation exercise.
Government stated that the process would be guided by agreed traditional boundary alignments identified by both communities.
“The exercise will be transparent and based strictly on mutually agreed positions from both sides,” Odey assured.
The communities were also directed to submit all relevant documents supporting their claims to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government before the commencement of the field exercise.
According to the resolutions, the Surveyor General and his team are expected to submit their report within one week after completing the exercise, after which another meeting will be held at Government House to review the findings and conclude the process.
The government further urged traditional rulers and community leaders to sensitise youths, women, and elders on the need to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of triggering violence.
“We expect leaders at all levels to ensure their people remain peaceful throughout this process,” Odey stated.
It warned that any breakdown of law and order during the exercise 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 any disturbances within their domains.
The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council was also mandated to work closely 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 peace, stability, and development in the area.
