National Boundary Commission (NBC) has called for peaceful coexistence among border communities in Abia and Cross River States amidst escalating tensions.
The director-general, Surv. Adamu Adaji, made the appeal following recent violent clashes between the 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, which claimed lives.
In a statement by the head of information and public relations unit of NBC, Efe Ovuakporie in Abuja on Friday, the commission condemned the killings and extended condolences to the affected communities. It urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing boundary resolution efforts.
The NBC highlighted its proactive measures, including the Joint Meeting of Officials (JMO) on the Abia-Cross River boundary held on December 11, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
The meeting, chaired by Surv. Adamu Adaji, outlined key steps towards resolving the desputes in the affected areas.
The steps included the agreement to share the disputed triangular land between Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, subject to approval by the deputy governors.
Other steps include plans 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, 2025, in Abuja.
