The National Boundary Commission has called for peaceful coexistence among Abia and Cross River border communities amidst escalating tensions over boundary disagreement.

Violent clashes erupted between the Isu community in Arochukwu LGA of Abia and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River on January 4 and 5.

NBC director-general Adamu Adaji said in a statement on Thursday that the clash, which claimed many lives, was condemnable and unacceptable.

Mr Adaji, in the statement, condoled the affected communities. He urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions undermining ongoing boundary resolution efforts between the two states.

He highlighted NBC’s proactive measures toward resolving the dispute, including the joint meeting of officials on the boundary issue held in Calabar on December 11, 2024.

He added that during the December meeting, Deputy Governors Ikechukwu Emetu (Abia) and Peter Odey (Cross River) affirmed their states’ commitment to an amicable resolution of the disputes.

The NBC boss noted that the deputy governors reiterated the need for peace and mutual understanding among the affected communities. He said that the meeting he chaired outlined key steps towards resolving the dispute in the affected areas.

Mr Adaji explained that the steps included the agreement to share the disputed triangular land between the Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, subject to approval by the deputy governors of both states.

He added, “There was also a plan to resolve land issues with respect to point Abia/Cross River (AC)15A (Abia, Achara, and Biakpan communities) at a Joint Technical Meeting scheduled for January 20 in Abuja.

“Aside from the foregoing, the meeting also considered the submission of documents supporting claims over disputed points AC19 to AC23 (Mbiabong-Ito and Isu areas) by January 20.

“Another step was the formation of a Joint Committee for the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities in the Mbiabong-Ito/Isu boundary sector.”

The NBC boss also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to collaborate to foster peace and ensure productive discussions before the January 20 meeting.

“The NBC remains optimistic that its proactive approach, including its emphasis on accurate surveying and equitable solutions, will achieve a lasting resolution to the lingering Abia-Cross River boundary disputes.

“As preparations for the January 20 joint technical meeting, the NBC is appealing to all stakeholders to prioritise peace and remain patient as the Commission works towards finalising boundary resolutions.

“I am confident that these efforts will pave the way for stability and development in the region,” Mr Adaji said.

(NAN)