By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has taken decisive steps to resolve the lingering boundary dispute between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, following a peace meeting held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Government House, Calabar.
The meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee (SBC), Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who commended participants for their peaceful conduct and constructive engagement, describing it as a strong indication of their collective desire for lasting peace and coexistence.
After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached:
• The Surveyor-General of the State, alongside the State Security Adviser, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, and five chiefs from each of the affected communities, will, within one week, move to the disputed area to carry out a demarcation exercise.
• The demarcation will be conducted in line with agreed traditional boundary alignments as identified by both communities.
• All parties are to submit relevant documents supporting their claims to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) before the commencement of the field exercise.
• The Surveyor General and his team are expected to submit a report within one week after the exercise.
• A follow-up meeting will be convened at Government House, Calabar, to review the report and finalize the boundary demarcation.
• Stakeholders are to sensitize youths, women, and elders in their communities on the need to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence.
• Government will not tolerate any breach of peace from either side throughout the process.
• Paramount Ruler of Yakurr LGA and clan heads of the affected communities will be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order in their respective communities.
• The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council is mandated, as the Chief Security Officer of the area, to provide adequate security in collaboration with the State Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the need for unity, restraint, and cooperation, noting that both communities have coexisted peacefully over the years and must work together to restore and sustain that peace.
The Cross River State Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful resolution of the dispute in the interest of development and harmony in the area.
