The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has called for a peaceful coexistence among border communities between Isu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State amidst rising tensions in the area.
The Director-General of the NBC, Adamu Adaji made this appeal following a violent clashes between the two communities which resulted in fatalities in early January 2025.
NBC in a statement signed by Efe Ovuakporie, the Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit of the commission on Thursday, condemned the violence and urged all parties involved to show restraint and avoid actions that could hinder ongoing boundary resolution efforts.
He emphasized that the Commission has taken proactive measures, including a Joint Meeting of Officials on the Abia-Cross River boundary held on December 11, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar. This meeting according to Ovuakporie outlined steps to resolve disputes in the affected areas.
According to NBC, these steps include an agreement to share the disputed triangle land between the Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, pending approval from the Deputy Governors.
Additionally, there is a call for the submission of documents supporting claims over disputed points in the Mbiabong-Ito and Isu areas by January 20, 2025.
Mr. Adaji maintained that a joint committee has also been formed to facilitate the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities in the Mbiabong-Ito/Isu sector.
The Commission reiterated its commitment as a neutral mediator, stressing the need for dialogue over violence, and urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to work together to foster peace and ensure productive discussions in advance of the January 20th meeting.
He stated, “The steps included the agreement to share the disputed triangular land between Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, subject to approval by the deputy governors of both states.
“There was also a plan to resolve land issues with respect to point Abia/Cross River (AC) 15A (Abia, Achara, and Biakpan communities) at a Joint Technical Meeting scheduled for January 20 in Abuja.
“Apart from the foregoing, the meeting also considered the submission of documents supporting claims over disputed points AC19 to AC23 (Mbiabong-Ito and Isu areas) by January 20. Another step was the formation of a joint Committee for the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities in the Mbiabong-Ito/Isu boundary sector.
“The NBC remains optimistic that its proactive approach, including its emphasis on accurate surveying and equitable solutions, will achieve a lasting resolution to the lingering Abia-Cross River boundary disputes.
“As preparations for the January 20 Joint Technical Meeting, the NBC is appealing to all stakeholders to prioritise peace and remain patient as the commission works towards finalising boundary resolutions.
“I am confident that these efforts will pave the way for stability and development in the region,” Mr Adaji said.