Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has issued a stern warning to Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen across the state, directing them to immediately enforce peace in restive communities or face suspension from office.
The warning follows renewed communal clashes in several parts of the state, particularly in Ikom and Obubra LGAs, where deadly violence has persisted between neighbouring communities.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, at a peace and security meeting held yesterday in Calabar, Governor Otu stated that his administration would no longer tolerate violence or defiance of government directives aimed at restoring order.
The meeting, which brought together leaders and critical stakeholders from the affected areas, focused on the protracted conflict between the Ekukunela and Alesi communities in Ikom LGA, and the Odonget, Ochon, and Isabang communities in Obubra LGA.
As part of immediate measures to de-escalate the situation, the state government ordered the suspension of all activities on the disputed lands, pending proper boundary demarcation.
“All parties must cease any form of activity on the disputed lands until the state concludes its boundary verification process,” the governor directed.
Governor Otu also instructed the communities involved to submit all relevant documents relating to the conflict to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who chairs the newly constituted Peace Committee.
During the meeting, the governor inaugurated an eight-member Peace Committee tasked with identifying the root causes of the conflicts and recommending sustainable solutions. The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.
According to a statement signed by Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, displaced persons from the conflict areas will receive palliatives to cushion the impact of the crisis.
“The committee is mandated to urgently brief the Deputy Governor on interim palliative measures for displaced persons and propose long-term peace-building strategies,” the statement said.
A follow-up review meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to assess compliance with the resolutions, evaluate progress made by the committee, and address any emerging issues.
Governor Otu has directed the chairmen of the affected LGAs to ensure full implementation of the resolutions or face disciplinary action, including possible suspension.
