FG set to end Ebonyi, Cross River communal feud

The lingering conflict between the Igbeagu community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and their neighbours, Ukelle in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, which often led to huge loss of lives and property, will soon end.

Federal Government has promised to wade into the matter and seek ways of tackling the lingering crises between the two states.
Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd.), made the pledge on Monday in Calabar, Cross River capital, when he visited the acting governor, Professor Ivara Esu.

While commending the security agencies, particularly the police and military, for their efforts in containing the crises, he said the Federal Government would not rest “until lasting peace is achieved”.

Dambazzau, who was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, said, as a member of the national food security committee, “I am mandated to look into this particular case of Cross River and Ebonyi states, which, to a large extent, affects farming communities.

“This conflict is about land, which the people depend on for survival because most of them are farmers. It is important to look at how these conflicts impact on food security in the country.”

According to him, beyond food security, the conflicts have devastating effect on the lives of the people, hence the Federal
Government is concerned and doing something urgently about it.

He said the Federal Government was worried over loss of lives and property resulting from the crises.

The acting governor also expressed concern over the conflict between the neighbouring states, noting that all efforts by state government to end the conflict proved abortive two weeks ago when they had a meeting with Ebonyi government, as the clash continued.

While calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Esu said Cross River people had always been peace-loving but only tried to defend themselves in the face of threat.

He said the state was bordered by Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi and Benue states which at one time or another were in conflict with communities in the state over land.