In a bid to end the persistent border disputes between Cross River and Ebonyi states, the two states have resolved to unite and work for peace on the border corridor of Ndiagu Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Adadama, in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The resolution was contained in a five-point communiqué issued after a meeting of officials of the two states on the inter-state boundary, held at Ebonyi State deputy governor’s office, Abakaliki, on Tuesday last week.
In a communiqué adopted by officials from both parties and signed by the deputy governors of Cross River and Ebonyi states, the meeting resolved to embark on sensitisation 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 added 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 NBC to expedite action on boundary delineation, so as to restore peace and ensure that no further lives are lost and properties destroyed in these communities.
It also called for the revitalisation of Adadama-Amagu Development Association (ADAMADA), a group that had contributed to peace in the region.
The meeting, presided over by the deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Patricia Obila and attended by the deputy governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey and chairman, State Boundary Committee, represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Ededem Ani, was attended by a high profile delegation from Cross River State, including the State Security Adviser (SSA), Major-General Okoi Ubi Obono (retd), head of personal staff to the deputy governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong; the Director-General of Border Communities Development Commission (BORDERCOM), Ngim Okpo.
Others were Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Relations, Chief Ada Charles Egwu; Head of Local Government Administration, Abi Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State, Mrs. Eke Ani and traditional rulers from the affected local government area 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, among other top government officials.
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