UGEP — Tension is yet to abate between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River state despite a recent peace meeting aimed at resolving a protracted farmland dispute NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
Leaders of both communities had, on Wednesday met at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Ofem Ubana, where they agreed on measures to maintain peace and prevent further clashes over contested land.
At the meeting, which was attended by traditional rulers and stakeholders from both sides, the communities reaffirmed existing boundary demarcations earlier set with the involvement of security authorities. They also agreed that individuals seeking to farm on land belonging to the other community must first obtain consent in line with customary practice.
The resolutions were presented as a step toward de-escalation, with both sides urged to maintain restraint and uphold mutual understanding.
However, fresh concerns have emerged following allegations from members of the Idomi community, who claim that incidents of farm destruction and encroachment have continued despite the agreement.
In a statement circulating within the community, some Idomi stakeholders alleged that farmlands and economic crops had been destroyed on multiple occasions in recent weeks, heightening fears of a possible breakdown of peace.
The statement further claimed that tensions had been building for over three weeks, with repeated incidents at the disputed boundary said to have provoked anger among youths, although community leaders reportedly intervened to prevent retaliation.
Idomi representatives also called on the Cross River State Government to urgently intervene, urging authorities to establish clearly defined and enforceable boundaries and ensure justice for affected farmers.
They maintained that while the community remained committed to peaceful resolution, continued provocation could undermine ongoing efforts at reconciliation.
The dispute, which centres on farmland ownership along a shared boundary, has drawn attention to the fragile nature of inter-community relations in the area, with observers warning that sustained dialogue and credible mediation will be critical to preventing escalation.
There are ongoing efforts to obtain official reaction from Ugep representatives on the latest allegations. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no formal statements from the Cross River State Government, or Nigeria Police regarding the latest developments.
