The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to ensuring lasting peace in the Ugep-Idomi boundary area, commending all parties who contributed to the successful land demarcation exercise and urging them to sustain the prevailing peace.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee (SBC), made this known while presiding over a Peace and Security Meeting on the Ugep-Idomi boundary dispute at the Biase Local Government Council Secretariat, Ibogo, on Friday.
He disclosed that, out of the 453 hectares of disputed land, the government allocated 181.20 hectares (40%) to Idomi Community, 203.85 hectares (45%) to Ugep Community, while 67.95 hectares (15%) was designated as a neutral government buffer zone. He emphasized that the government’s decision was reached after careful consideration of all relevant facts and in the overall interest of justice, peace, and harmonious coexistence among the affected communities.
While condemning the recent violence that claimed lives and led to the destruction of property, Rt. Hon. Odey commended the traditional rulers, community stakeholders, security agencies, relevant government ministries, and the technical teams whose professionalism ensured the peaceful and successful execution of the demarcation exercise.
He warned that the government would not tolerate the destruction, removal, or tampering with any government-installed beacon or boundary marker, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. He directed an immediate end to all hostilities and urged farmers and residents to return to their normal activities without fear, intimidation, or harassment. He also charged traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure strict compliance, warning that anyone who undermines the peace process would face appropriate government sanctions.
Rt. Hon. Odey further directed all affected persons to respect the newly established boundary, emphasizing that no one should encroach beyond the approved demarcation or undertake farming or any other activity within the designated government buffer zone until further directives were issued. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to justice, peace, and security, urging all parties to embrace dialogue, respect the law, and work together to ensure lasting harmony and sustainable development in the affected communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Yibala Inyang, commended the Deputy Governor and the state government for bringing to an end a boundary dispute that had lingered for years. He urged the affected communities to embrace the government’s decision in the interest of lasting peace.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, and HRH Ofem Inah commended the state government for its efforts in resolving the dispute and, in the interest of peace, pledged to support and abide by the government’s decision.
The highpoint of the meeting was the immediate suspension of the curfew earlier imposed on the affected communities.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
July 3, 2026
