By Odey Ojeka
The Cross River State Government has moved to de-escalate tensions between Ugep and Idomi communities, following a high-level peace meeting with political and traditional stakeholders in Yakurr LGA.
The meeting was chaired on Friday, July 3, 2026, by the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, at the Biase Local Government Council Secretariat.
In attendance were HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr; HRM Obol Ofem Inah Edet, Obol Lopon of Idomi; their chiefs, and the Yakurr LGA Chairman, Hon. Yibala Inyang.
Also present were Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information; Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Obono Okoi Ubi, State Security Adviser; Hon. Eyong Edordi Edordi, Chairman of Biase LGA; and heads of all security agencies in the state.
Deputy Governor Odey strongly condemned the loss of lives and destruction of property in the communal clash. He assured victims of government support and relief, while issuing a firm warning to trouble-makers.
“Any individual or group fanning the embers of conflict will be tracked and dealt with decisively under the law,” he stated.
On the disputed boundary, the Deputy Governor adopted the report of the Surveyor-General, Surveyor Patrick Edet Bassey. The report demarcates the land as 45% to Ugep, 40% to Idomi, and 15% as a government buffer zone.
“No farming or encroachment will be tolerated in the 15% buffer zone. It is government land. All parties must remain within their allocated portions,” Odey warned.
The government also announced a relaxation of the curfew imposed in the area to allow residents to resume normal activities, even as security presence remains heightened.
Concluding the session, Dr Odey commended both communities for their willingness to embrace peace and restore order.
