CALABAR – The lingering communal land dispute between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area has persisted despite a week‑long curfew, forcing the Cross River State Government to extend the restriction for an additional three days, with officials warning that underground activities continue to fuel tensions NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, announced that Governor Bassey Otu had approved the extension of the curfew from Tuesday, 12th May, to Friday, 15th May, 2026. The curfew remains in effect from 6PM to 6AM daily in and around the two communities.
Government disclosed that it has placed the warring communities on the “red radar” due to sustained underground meetings and inflammatory utterances by key individuals.
“The activities in and around these communities are being closely monitored, including all underground meetings and utterances of key individuals, which have kept the two warring communities on the RED RADAR till date,” the statement read in part.
“Therefore, all those concerned are hereby warned to desist from these unwholesome activities to pave the way for the restoration of total peace in these communities.”
The government had originally imposed the curfew following an escalation of the land dispute, but the extension indicates that the underlying conflict remains unresolved. Officials expressed concern that despite the restriction, covert actions by some individuals continue to undermine peace efforts.
Governor Otu has directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to remain on “red alert” to track down perpetrators and ensure strict compliance with the curfew. However, the government assured that vehicular movement on the strategic Ugep‑Ikom highway would remain seamless and unhindered.
The statement also called on the Executive Chairman of Yakurr LGA, the Paramount Ruler, Clan Heads, Village Heads, and key stakeholders from both communities to cooperate with security agencies and sensitise citizens on maintaining peace and order.
In a strong warning, the government said it would not hesitate to impose a total clamp‑down on the two communities if the situation remains unchanged by the time the extended curfew expires at 6AM on Saturday, 16th May, 2026.
“Government will not hesitate to totally clamp‑down on these communities if the situation remains unchanged at the end of this Extended Curfew,” the commissioner stated.
The Ugep‑Idomi land dispute is one of several communal conflicts in Cross River State rooted in boundary and ownership claims. The latest developments suggest that despite government intervention, deep‑seated mistrust and clandestine mobilisation continue to obstruct lasting peace.
