The government of Cross River says it will take over the disputed land between communities in the Ikom and Obubura Local Government Areas of the state.

The communities involved in the land dispute are the Alesi/Ekukunela/Agbaragba communities in Ikom LGA and the Ochon/Isabang/Odonget communities in Obubra LGA, even as the crisis escalated to the terrific destruction of lives and properties in 2025.

Deputy Governor Peter Odey disclosed this in a statement signed by Linus Obogo, Governor Bassey Otu’s chief of staff.

Mr Odey said the decision came after weeks of deliberations by a committee set up by the state government to resolve the land issue.

“Our measures are coming after weeks of painstaking engagements spearheaded by the State Security Adviser, were to break the cycle of violence and restore harmony.

“The measures would include deployment of security operatives to enforce calm and the vesting of ownership rights of the disputed land in the state government.

“By this singular act, the root of contention is extinguished, transforming the territory into a protected heritage under state custody,” he said.

Mr Odey emphasised that peace, safety, and collective well-being remain sacrosanct.

He insisted that elders, youths, and community leaders have been enjoined to embrace reconciliation, cooperate with security agencies, and desist from hostilities.

The deputy governor added that the only way true unity, progress, and stability can take firm root across the state is by ensuring that communities live in peace.

The state government had earlier set up an eight-member committee to investigate the matter and ordered all parties involved in the crisis to cease all activities on the contested land.

(NAN)