Stakeholders have converged in Abuja to proffer a lasting situation to the border crisis between Cross River and Ebonyi state that have lasted over a hundred years.
The crisis involves communities in Abi, Obubra and Yala local government areas in Cross River State and Abakaliki, Uzzi and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi States.
Declaring the 2 day roundtable tagged “Sustainable Solutions on the Boundary Disputes/Conflict between Cross River and Ebonyi states”, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Bakut Bakut on behalf of the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani explained that it was high time the lingering crisis was over.
While noting that the IPCR had made tremendous success in time past and was optimistic that the roundtable would yield positive outcomes this time around, the DG urged the stakeholders to tender their various claims at the forum in a bid to reach an impactful resolution.
Member, House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency Ebonyi State, observed that while efforts are geared at resolving the crisis, there was a need to rehabilitate and empower youths of these areas to forestall future breakdown of law and order.
Clan Head of Utrigom in Cross River State, HRH Ubiet Stephen Odom who expressed satisfaction with the ongoing initiative, said his people were willing to accept peace and co-exist with their brothers from Ebonyi for the growth and development of their respective communities.
Other stakeholders present at the commencement of the roundtable were: Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Boundaries Commission, Members of House of Representatives; Michael Etaba representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Sylvester Ogbaga representing Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, traditional and political leaders.
