Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has issued a strong directive to Local Government Area chairmen across the state, warning that any failure to enforce peace in crisis-prone communities will result in suspension from office.
This comes in the wake of renewed communal violence in parts of the state, particularly between warring groups in Ikom and Obubra LGAs.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, during a peace and security meeting held on Tuesday in Calabar, Governor Otu expressed his administration’s resolve to clamp down on unrest and any disregard for state directives aimed at maintaining order.
The high-level meeting, which brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, and key stakeholders from the troubled regions, was centered on the long-standing disputes between Ekukunela and Alesi communities in Ikom, as well as between Odonget, Ochon, and Isabang communities in Obubra.
To contain further violence, the state government has ordered a freeze on all activities on the contested lands until boundary demarcation is properly concluded.
“All parties must cease any form of activity on the disputed lands until the state concludes its boundary verification process,” the governor directed.
Otu further instructed the disputing communities to provide all documents relevant to the conflict to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who is now leading the newly formed Peace Committee.
An eight-member Peace Committee was officially inaugurated during the meeting, tasked with tracing the underlying causes of the unrest and proposing long-term conflict resolution strategies.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
In a statement released by Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, the government also announced relief support for those displaced by the clashes.
“The committee is mandated to urgently brief the Deputy Governor on interim palliative measures for displaced persons and propose long-term peace-building strategies,” the statement said.
A follow-up review session has been fixed for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to evaluate how well resolutions have been implemented, monitor progress from the committee, and tackle any new developments.
Governor Otu has instructed the chairmen of the affected LGAs to ensure that every resolution is carried out fully, or risk disciplinary measures, including suspension from office.
