The Nigerian Army has deployed troops to Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area to restore peace and prevent further escalation of the renewed communal crisis. Soldiers are engaging both communities, urging residents to lay down their weapons and avoid confrontation with security personnel.
“We are here to protect lives, not to fight you. Drop your weapons and embrace peace,” a senior officer told community members in Ijiman Ugep and Idomi Community.
Also intervening is the Cross River State Chief Security Adviser to Governor Prince Bassey Otu, who hails from Ugep. He made a direct appeal to his kinsmen to stand down and return home, warning against the destruction that conflict brings.
“My people war is not a good thing. War brings no gain, only pain and loss. Go back to your homes and allow peace to reign,” he said.
The combined presence of military and traditional leadership is gradually calming tensions, as residents begin to heed the calls for restraint. Authorities continue to urge both communities to pursue dialogue and avoid any actions that could worsen the situation.
Government Orders Boundary Survey
The Cross River State Government had earlier ordered an immediate survey of the disputed boundary between Idomi and Ugep communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, in a decisive move to achieve lasting peace. The directive followed a high-level peace meeting held in Calabar, convened by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, with key traditional rulers, clan heads, and stakeholders from both communities in attendance.
At the meeting last weekend, the State Surveyor General was mandated to lead an on-site assessment of the disputed area. The exercise will be carried out jointly with representatives from Idomi and Ugep to ensure transparency, fairness, and community buy-in.
Stakeholders commended the state government’s swift intervention, describing it as a major step toward ending decades of tension and restoring brotherhood between the neighbouring communities. The government reiterated that the final boundary demarcation will be based on verifiable data from the survey and historical records, with the goal of a permanent resolution.
Police Officers Arrested
Two Nigeria Police officers have been arrested and taken into custody after being found with firearms and ammunition in connection with the crisis in Ugep and Idomi. Community members alleged that the officers were supplying weapons to one of the communities, further fueling the land dispute that started in late April.
They were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted jointly by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army at Ibiaye Checkpoint, in Biase Local Government Area, near Ugep in Yakurr. Sources alleged that the suspects were supplying the weapons to Idomi, one of the warring communities.
Confirming the arrest, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugep, Mr Innocent Ayabotu, stated: “The video of the two guys are suspected to be police officers from Idomi who were intercepted and arrested by officers at a checkpoint at Ibiaye by the Palm Estate.”
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many residents questioning the source of the 163 rounds of AK-47 ammunition allegedly found with the suspects. In a press release made available to journalists in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah confirmed the interception of the ammunition and the arrest of the officers.
