Numerous border communities in Obanliku and Obudu LGAs in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State have raised concerns over the persistent influx of refugees from Cameroon and ongoing encroachments on their farmlands by individuals from Benue State.
These worries were voiced during a town hall meeting attended by key stakeholders, including paramount rulers, clan heads, village heads, youth groups, and heads of security institutions in the district.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission (BORDERCOM), Onun Ngim Okpo, convened the meeting as part of the state government’s ongoing Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment of border communities.
Stakeholders particularly emphasized that encroachments onto their farmlands had often sparked potential communal conflicts with neighboring communities.
They called for the establishment of organized border patrol teams to address trespassing issues effectively.
The Director-General assured swift government intervention, aligning with the people-centric leadership style of Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
He underscored the importance of peace and urged the communities to actively engage in the assessment process to enhance government service delivery.
