In a bid to end protracted boundary disputes between Cross River and Ebonyi State, both states have resolved to embrace and work towards achieving peace along the border corridors 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 communique issued after a meeting of officials of Cross River/Ebonyi State on interstate boundary held at Ebonyi State Deputy Governor’s office, Abakaliki on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.
In a communique 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 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 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 and properties destroyed in these communities while the revitalization of Adadama-Amagu Development Association (ADAMADA), a group that had contributed immensely to peace in the region, is to be prioritized.
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; the Director-General of Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Rt. Hon. Ngim Okpo; 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