Ebonyi, C/River cease fire on boundary dispute

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Cross River state counterpart, Prof Ben Ayade, have finally resolved to end hostilities in their boundary areas, which have cost so many lives and properties damaged during war time.

They also directed the representatives of the disputed communities in attendance to return to their various communities and sensitise them on the way forward with a view to proffering solutions to the challenges at the disputed sectors.

Also resolved was that the states should submit a position paper on their boundary claims, anexing relevant legal documents, maps and communiqués of previous meetings within 30 days while arbitrarators including National Boundary Commission, as third arbitrator would be appointed.

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They further agreed to embark on construction of bridges and roads to further cement the bond of brotherhood where Ebonyi state government will construct 600 metres bridge across Oferekpe River in Ikwo axis and 500 metres bridge at Ndibe Beach in Afikpo, Cross River state undertook to compliment Ebonyi state by constructing 7.2km road to link up with the Federal high way coming in from Ogada in Cross River State to Oferekpe in Ebonyi state as well as 19km road linking Ndibe beach to Ugep or a 17km road linking Ndibe beach to Adim.

The meeting, which was convened and co-chaired by the governors as part of the communiqué, for the states to carry out disarmament of the combatants and thereafter grant amnesty to those who shall willingly handover the dangerous weapons in their possessions within a period of 90 days from 7th of August 2018.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State Dr. Kelechi Igwe, traditional rulers and stakeholders from both sides.