The House of Representatives has urgently called upon the National Boundaries Commission to initiate and complete the demarcation of the boundaries between Cross River and Ebonyi States. To ensure compliance with this resolution, the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) has been mandated accordingly.
This decision was made following the adoption of a motion titled “Need for a Clear Boundary Demarcation between Cross River and Ebonyi States,” which was sponsored by Hon. Michael Etaba on Wednesday.
The House acknowledged that the conflict between the border communities of Cross River and Ebonyi has persisted for over a century. In March 2019, it was reported that the conflict had resulted in the loss of more than 3,000 lives, excluding those who suffered severe injuries. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks, little to no progress has been achieved.
The House recalled a significant stakeholder meeting facilitated by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), which brought together representatives from the warring communities, including the people of Abi, Biase, Obubra, Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State, and Izzi, Ikwo, and Abakaliki Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. The meeting also involved key government agencies and federal lawmakers representing the areas, as well as traditional rulers.
The primary goal of this stakeholders meeting was to lay a foundation and create a conducive atmosphere for the National Boundaries Commission to commence boundary demarcation between the warring communities. The House acknowledged that this meeting contributed to a relatively peaceful atmosphere in the region.
In light of the current peace, the House emphasized the need to take prompt and decisive action to bring lasting peace and tranquility to the warring communities, putting an end to the continuous loss of lives and property destruction.
