By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has taken swift steps to restore peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order in Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, following renewed tensions over a communal land dispute.
In a press statement issued on May 5, 2026, the government announced the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew, restricting movement from 6:00pm to 6:00am daily in and around the affected communities for an initial period of seven days.
The decision, according to the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, is part of ongoing efforts to consolidate peace following a high-level meeting convened by the state government.
The peace meeting, held on Monday, May 4, 2026, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Peter Odey, and had in attendance officials of the State Boundary Commission, the Surveyor-General, and representatives of the warring communities.
As part of the new directive, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, have been mandated to enforce strict compliance with the curfew, while ensuring that movement along the Ugep–Ikom Highway remains uninterrupted for essential traffic.
The state government also directed the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler, clan heads, and key stakeholders from both communities to support security agencies and intensify sensitisation efforts aimed at sustaining peace.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the statement emphasised that the administration of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and lasting resolution of the boundary dispute in the interest of peace and development.
