Interstate boundary: Cross River, Ebonyi resolve to end

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In a bid to end the persistent border disputes between Cross River and Ebonyi State, the two states have resolved to unite and work for peace along the border corridor of Ndiagu Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, and Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The resolution was contained in a 5-point communiqué issued after a meeting of officials of Cross River/Ebonyi State on the interstate boundary held at the Ebonyi State Deputy Governor’s office, Abakaliki, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

In a communiqué adopted by officials from both parties and signed by the Deputy Governors of Cross River State and Ebonyi State, the meeting resolved to embark on the sensitization of the affected communities to desist from all forms of encroachment while waiting for the delineation of the boundaries by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

It also adds that the two states put in place modalities for joint security teams to patrol the affected areas.

The members agreed that the deputy governors of both states, who are also Chairmen of the State Boundary Committee, are to reach out to the National Boundary Commission to expedite action on boundary delineation to restore peace and ensure that no further lives are lost or properties destroyed in these communities, while the revitalization of the Adadama-Amagu Development Association (ADAMADA), a group that had contributed immensely to peace in the region, is to be prioritised.

The meeting, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, and attended by His Excellency, Rt Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman, State Boundary Committee, ably represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Ededem Ani, Esq, was attended by a high-profile delegation from Cross River State, including the State Security Adviser, Major-General Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd), Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong, and the Director-General of Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Rt. Hon. Ngim Okpo.

Others are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Chief Ada Charles Egwu; Head of Local Government Administration, Abi LGA, Mrs Eke Ani; and traditional rulers from the affected LGA of the state, as well as other relevant government officials.

The Ebonyi State delegation to the meeting had the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, as well as traditional rulers and several top government officials in attendance.

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