Cross River Government Holds Peace Meeting on Ugep–Idomi Crisis, Relaxes Curfew
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
The Cross River State Government has convened a high-level peace meeting with political and traditional leaders from Yakurr Local Government Area over the recent communal crisis between the Ugep and Idomi communities, while announcing the relaxation of the curfew imposed on the affected areas.
The peace meeting was held on Thursday, July 3, 2026, at the Biase Local Government Council Headquarters. It was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, and attended by the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Yibala Inyang, alongside key political, traditional and security stakeholders.
Among those present were the Obol Lopon of Yakurr and Paramount Ruler of Ugep, His Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Ubana; the Obol Lopon of Idomi, His Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Inah Edet; members of their traditional councils; political leaders; the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang; the State Security Adviser, Major General (Rtd.) Obono Okoi Ubi; the Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Eyong Edordi Edordi; and heads of security agencies in the state.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Governor Peter Odey strongly condemned the violence that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property in the affected communities. He assured residents that the state government would provide relief and support to victims of the crisis.
The Deputy Governor also warned that individuals or groups responsible for inciting violence or attempting to undermine ongoing peace efforts would face the full weight of the law.
Speaking on the disputed land at the centre of the conflict, Odey said the government had accepted the report of the Surveyor General, Surveyor Patrick Edet Bassey, which delineates the disputed area by allocating 45 percent to Ugep, 40 percent to Idomi and 15 percent as a government-owned buffer zone.
He emphasized that no farming or other activities would be permitted within the designated buffer zone, warning that anyone found encroaching on the government-owned portion would be regarded as trespassing.
The Deputy Governor further stressed that the Cross River State Government would not tolerate any further breakdown of law and order and urged both communities to respect the approved land boundaries and maintain peace.
He commended the traditional rulers, political leaders and representatives of both Ugep and Idomi communities for their commitment to dialogue and their willingness to work towards lasting peace and stability in the area.
The meeting forms part of the state government's ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of communal violence in Yakurr Local Government Area.
