Calabar, Cross River State – The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) has expressed worry over the alledged encroachment on Ikun land in Biase LGA by the people of Okon in Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
Accordingly, the House has adopted resolutions calling on the State Government through its relevant Agencies, including the State Boundary Commission, to liaise with the Federal Boundary Commission to realign the boundary between the two neighbouring border communities to prevent violence.
The House also wants the State Government to liaise with her Abia State counterpart to intervene in the looming crisis, by deploying armed security personnel to Ikun as well as establish military and police checkpoints at the boundary between the two neighbouring communities.
These resolutions were adopted following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought before the House by the Member Representing Biase State Constituency Hon. Francis Ogban Onette.
Onette recalled his earlier complain on the floor of the House about the activities of the Okon-Ohafia people of Abia State who had removed the half stump of the beacon stone which demarcates the two neighbouring communities.
He also informed the Assembly that the Okon people had recently entered Ikun territory to clear and demarcate farm lands for themselves in preparation for the next farming season, adding that this can lead communal clashes.
“It shows that they are ready to attack the peace loving people of Ikun community. This provocation, if not handled with care, can lead to communal clashes…like it happened in 1996,” Onette said.
The Biase Lawmaker called on his colleagues to support the matter to prevent loss of lives and property, adding that the encroachment may be as a result of the rich mineral resources present in Ikun.
In their reactions, the Lawmakers expressed concern over the matter while recalling their earlier resolution, calling for urgent government intervention to prevent crisis and protect lives and property.
They further stressed that government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
In his closing remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the Lawmakers for their concern over the plight of the Ikun people and assured that the 10th Assembly will not relent in its efforts at legislation that will protect and improve the lives of Cross Riverians.