Director-General of Cross River State Border Communities Development Commission, Onun Ngim Okpo has disclosed that the National Boundary Commission, NBC, will commence the demarcation of interstate boundaries between the state and its neighbors.
In recent times, there have been resurgence of boundary skirmishes between people of Ukwa Eburutu, a Cross River community, and their neighbours in Abia State, leading to human and material casualties.
Okpo made the disclosure over the weekend during a meeting with stakeholders from flashpoint border communities in Odukpani LGA of the state.
The meeting was organized in response to the recurring border conflicts with neighboring Akwa Ibom and Abia communities.
Okpo emphasized that the meeting would provide an opportunity for communities to express their positions regarding the boundaries, including relevant court judgments and survey plans.
He encouraged the communities to maintain peace and adhere to the law especially as they were approaching the end of the farming season.
He emphasized importance of fostering lasting peace and harmonious coexistence in the border communities.
Speaking at the meeting, the head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) for Odukpani, Ntufam Felix Eyimen pointed out that border crises often stem from the non-implementation of boundary judgments and resolutions.
He urged both state and federal governments to expedite action for the final demarcation of boundaries.
Some of the community leaders who spoke, including Enefiok Inyang of Ukwa Eburutu, Mr. Okon Ebi of Mbiaobong Ukwa, Chief Etim O Ekpenyong of Mbiabo Ikot Offiong, Chief Ndem Ikpeme of Okpo Eniong, His Highness Obong David Ekanem of Asang Eniong and Pastor Ekeng Ita of Obot Akpabio, as well as youth and women leaders, called on the state government to expedite action and prevail on the NBC to conclude final demarcation of the boundary between Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
They also urged the state government to explore the significant limestone mineral resources in the area.
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