The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its decision on the long-standing Ugep-Idomi boundary dispute and suspended the curfew imposed on the affected communities, even as the Ugep community filed a suit challenging the government’s land allocation formula.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who also chairs the State Boundary Committee, announced the suspension of the curfew during a Peace and Security Meeting held at the Biase Local Government Council Secretariat, Ibogo, on Friday.
Odey said the Governor Bassey Otu administration remained committed to achieving lasting peace in the disputed area, urging both communities to embrace the government’s decision and sustain the prevailing peace.
He disclosed that of the 453 hectares of disputed land, the government allocated 203.85 hectares, representing 45 per cent, to Ugep; 181.20 hectares, representing 40 per cent, to Idomi; while 67.95 hectares, representing 15 per cent, has been set aside as a neutral government buffer zone.
According to him, the allocation followed careful consideration of all relevant facts and was designed to ensure justice, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the area.
The Deputy Governor condemned the recent violence that claimed lives and destroyed property, commending traditional rulers, security agencies, government officials and technical teams for ensuring the successful demarcation of the boundary.
He warned that anyone who destroys or tampers with government-installed beacons or boundary markers would face the full weight of the law, directing residents to respect the newly established boundary and refrain from farming or carrying out any activity within the buffer zone until further directives.
Odey also urged farmers and residents to return to their farms and communities without fear, intimidation or harassment, while charging traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure compliance with the government’s directives.
Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Yibala Inyang, praised the state government for resolving a dispute that had lingered for years, while the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, alongside HRH Ofem Inah, pledged support for the government’s peace initiative.
However, despite the government’s position, the Ugep community has approached the High Court in Calabar, challenging the boundary demarcation and land-sharing arrangement.
In the suit, the community asked the court to declare the 45-40-15 allocation formula unconstitutional, illegal and null and void, arguing that it violates its constitutional rights to fair hearing and protection of property.
The claimants also relied on a 1992 High Court judgment, which they said invalidated an earlier attempt by the state government to establish a buffer zone in the same disputed area, insisting that the judgment remains valid and binding.
The Ugep community further alleged that it was compelled to sign an undertaking under duress and accused the government of facilitating actions that led to encroachment on its farmlands.
It is seeking an order restraining further acquisition or survey of the disputed land and demanding ₦500 million in damages against the state government and the Idomi community.
Despite the court action, the Cross River State Government has maintained that its boundary demarcation was carried out in the interest of justice and lasting peace, urging all parties to respect the law while allowing the judicial process to take its course.
Cross River suspends Ugep-Idomi curfew as community heads to court over boundary demarcation
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