Taiwo Ajayi
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ugaga, Igbekurekor, Benekaba, and Ujama communities in Yala Local Government Area of the state.
The curfew, which is with immediate effect, was imposed to forestall further loss of lives and property and to enable security agencies to deal decisively with the situation.
The governor said the curfew was necessary following land and boundary disputes that have resulted in security threats and wanton destruction of lives and property in the affected communities.
He urged the traditional institutions in the affected communities to immediately work to restore peace and amity, as they will be held accountable for any further breakdown of law and order.
The governor also urged citizens in the affected communities to sheath their swords and give peace a chance. He advised residents to adhere strictly to the curfew directive in their own interest.
The state government has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work out immediate interventions in terms of relief materials for the affected communities.
The curfew is expected to remain in place until the security situation in the affected communities improves.