The border communities of Odukpani and Biase Local Government Areas in Cross River State have rejected the position of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) on the boundary line between Cross River and Abia States.
Last week NBC called for peaceful coexistence among border communities in Abia and Cross River States following escalating tensions over a boundary dispute.
Between 4 and 5 January, several lives were lost in clashes between the Isu community in the Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
In a statement, in Abuja last Thursday, NBC Director-General, Mr. Adamu Adaji condemned the violence, describing it as “unacceptable and deeply regrettable”. He extended “heartfelt condolences to the affected communities and urges restraint and peaceful dialogue as a means to resolve these issues”.
Although the Ukwa Ebrutu Combined Clans Council accepted NBC’s condolences, it however expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence as a result of boundary disputes.
In a statement on Thursday, the council condemned the attack on Mbiabong Ukwa alleged by the Isu community on 4 and 5 January, this year. “This tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of over 20 lives and the destruction of multimillion-Naira properties, could have been prevented had the NBC acted in accordance with Decree 23 of 1985”, the council said.
It recalled that during the NBC’s stakeholder meeting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, last 11 December, the Ukwa Ebrutu leaders had anticipated a clear timeline for the permanent demarcation of their border with the Isu community.
The council said that the Ukwa Ebrutu leaders were rather asked to submit new documentation, “a request that only serves to prolong the uncertainty and fear of further attacks”, the communities said.
The statement further read: “Moreover, the assertion regarding the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities is misleading. The Ukwa Ebrutu leaders clarify that no community was displaced along the Mbiabong-Ito-Isu boundary sector. Instead, it was a matter of farmers who violated settlement rules in Utuma community being asked to leave peacefully over a decade ago.
“The Ikun community of Biase Local Government Area (LGA) categorically rejects the proposal to share the disputed triangular land with their Okon-Aku neighbors in Ohafia LGA of Abia State. The Chief, Onun Ogban Bassey emphasised that the NBC’s suggestion to divide their ancestral land is unacceptable, especially given that Ikun has historically provided land to their neighbors since 1913, with documented evidence to support this.
“Additionally, the Biakpan community of Biase LGA expresses her readiness to participate in the upcoming joint technical meeting set for January 20 2025 in Abuja. They seek a fair resolution regarding the disputed Okporokim farmland, advocating for an equitable division between the two states that reflects the historical boundaries in line with the description of the Supreme Court.
“We urge the National Boundary Commission to pay attention to the concerns raised by these communities and to seek a resolution that encourages lasting peace and coexistence along the Abia-Cross River border. The way to achieve harmony is by respecting historical boundaries, particularly in areas where people are already living peacefully together. It is important to avoid stirring up unnecessary conflict”.
