- Threatens trouble-prone areas with sanctions
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – In a bold move aimed at ending the perennial communal clash in their border area, the Cross River State Government (CRSG) has taken over the disputed farmlands along the borders of Ikom and Obubra Local Government areas in the State.
According to a press statement issued in Calabar, the State capital, the decision was taken due to the unyielding position maintained by the affected communities on the need to give peace a chance.
Signed by Mr Linus Obogo, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Bassey Otu, the statement said it is unfortunate that the people of Alessi, Ekukunela, and Agbaragba in Ikom Local Government and their neighbours in Ochon, Isabang and Odonget communities in Obubra Local Government have continued to turn a deaf ear on the need to embrace peace.
Obogo said given their intransigent behaviour, the State government resorted to taking the bold step to forestall further loss of lives and valuable property in the affected communities.
He explained that the decision was taken after stakeholders’ engagement and due consultations with relevant community leaders from the two council areas.
Though the statement did not specifically indicate what the government intends to do with the disputed piece of land, the Governor’s aide said the tough decision on the issue would serve as a deterrent to other communal clash prone areas across the State.
