By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has taken decisive steps to address the lingering inter-communal crisis between the Ekukunela/Alesi communities in Ikom Local Government Area and the Odonget/Ochon/Isabang communities in Obubra Local Government Area.
At a peace and security meeting held on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, Deputy Governor Peter Odey (PhD) met with leaders and key stakeholders from the affected areas, resolving to implement measures aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability.
In a statement by Fred Abua, Esq., Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, the government ordered the immediate suspension of all activities on the disputed land pending boundary demarcation, and directed community leaders to submit all relevant crisis-related documents to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who also chairs the Peace Committee, on or before 12 noon, Monday, 4 August 2025.
An 8-man Peace Committee has been constituted to investigate the root causes of the conflict and recommend a sustainable solution. The committee is also mandated to urgently advise on interim palliative measures for displaced persons and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.
A follow-up review meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 13 August 2025, to assess compliance with the resolutions and track progress.
Deputy Governor Odey urged all parties to embrace peace and obey government directives, warning that any failure by Local Government Chairmen to enforce the resolutions would attract immediate suspension from office.
He reiterated Governor Bassey Otu’s zero-tolerance stance on violence and lawlessness.
