As Cross River State Government intensifies efforts to address the protracted inter-communal crisis between the Ekukunela/Alesi communities in Ikom Local Government Area and the Odonget/Ochon/Isabang communities in Obubra Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, (PhD) convened a peace and security meeting with leaders and critical stakeholders from the affected areas on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, resolved as follows:
1. Immediate Suspension of Activities on Disputed Land: All residents of the affected communities are hereby directed to cease every form of activity on the disputed land until a proper boundary demarcation is carried out.
2. Submission of Relevant Documents: Community leaders and representatives from both Ikom and Obubra LGAs are to submit all relevant documents pertaining to the crisis to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who also chairs the Peace Committee on or before 12 noon, Monday, August 4, 2025.
3. Constitution and Inauguration of an 8-Man Peace Committee: The State Government has set up an 8-man committee tasked with identifying the root causes of the conflict and recommending sustainable solution to government.
4. Palliative Measures for Displaced Persons: The committee is mandated to urgently brief the Deputy Governor on interim palliative measures for displaced persons affected by the crisis and is expected to submit its comprehensive report within two weeks.
5. Follow-Up Meeting Scheduled: A follow-up review meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to assess the level of compliance with the above resolutions, monitor the committee’s progress, and address any emerging issues.
In conclusion, the Deputy Governor has called on all parties to embrace peace and remain law-abiding, stressing that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu will not condone any further acts of violence or defiance of government directives. He has further directed the Chairmen of the affected Local Government Areas, as Chief Security Officers of their jurisdictions, to ensure full compliance with the resolutions. He has warned that any failure to enforce these directives will attract immediate suspension from office.
Fred Abua, Esq.,
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.
July 30, 2025.
