By Odey Ojeka
The Cross River State Government has given its final verdict on the long-standing land dispute between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
On June 11, 2026, a peace meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Odey. The meeting was attended by the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, the Obol Lopon of Idomi, the State Surveyor General, and stakeholders from both communities.
After extensive deliberations, the State Government adopted a 45-40-15 sharing formula to resolve the matter. Under the arrangement, Ugep community will take 45% of the disputed land, while Idomi will take 40%. The remaining 15% was allocated to the Cross River State Government to serve as a neutral buffer zone between both communities.
The government stated that it may utilise the portion for developmental projects that will benefit both communities and the state as a whole.
As part of the resolution, both communities were directed to sign an undertaking not to encroach on each other’s allocated land.
Stakeholders who signed the undertaking from Ugep Community are Col. O.E Oje (Rtd), Chief Lawrence Oden, Engr. Febian Ebri, Director of DSS (Rtd), and Barr. Ifen Eric and his Royal Majesty Obol Lopon.
Those from Idomi Community are His Royal Highness Obol Lopon of Idomi, Obol Ofem Inah Edet, Rev. Prof. Mbeh Eteng, Col. J.J. Ifen (Rtd), and Dr Michael Eyong.
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu signed the undertaking on behalf of the State Government.
The government expressed hope that the decision would entrench lasting peace and put an end to further clashes between Ugep and Idomi.
“Anybody or community that goes contrary to this undertaking shall face the full wrath of the Law.
“That we made this undertaking conscientiously believing the same to be true at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Calabar,” part of the undertaking signed before the assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nsikak Nse Effiong, on June 11, 2026, read.