Cross River State government says it has begun implementing recommendations aimed at resolving the protracted communal crisis between Ebom and Ebijaghara communities in Abi Local Government Area.
The crisis has lasted over 20 years leaving an increasing death toll and destruction of properties.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with community leaders and security stakeholders at the Government House in Calabar, where he outlined further plans to restore peace and facilitate the return of displaced Ebijaghara residents to their ancestral homes.
Odey, who chairs the State Boundary Committee, said a reviewed report and White Paper from a committee led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba would guide the government’s efforts to resolve the dispute.
He identified the ongoing construction of the Bahumono road network as one of the recommendations being implemented, adding that the government was determined to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
The Deputy Governor urged leaders of both communities to embrace dialogue and make compromises to end the lingering crisis.
Earlier, the Senior State Security Adviser, Major Gen. Obono Ubi, rtd, said the meeting was convened to address the prolonged displacement of Ebijaghara residents following the conflict with neighbouring Ebom community.
The Chairman of Abi Local Government Area, Chief Egbala Bassey, the member representing Abi State Constituency, Davies Ettah and the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Solomon Osim Edward, expressed support for the peace initiative.
They pledged to support the government’s reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts to restore peaceful coexistence between the communities.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, traditional rulers, community representatives, security officials and other government representatives.