by By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Boniface Ewhe has called on the National Boundary Commission NBC, to use the 1914 boundary line and bacon to properly demarcate the boundary between Benue and Cross River states to curb the incessant communal disputes between the two states.
Hon. Ewhe made the call during the stakeholders meeting with the Cross River State Boundary Committee today, October 2nd in Government House, Calabar, in preparation for an enlarged meeting with the National Boundary Commission NBC, in Abuja.
The Chairman named the communities affected by the lingering communal skirmishes with the Benue counterparts to include; Abonkib, Igwo, Ukwortung, Mgbenege and Ukpirinyi.
The Chairman expressed disenchantment over the rate of destruction suffered by his people owing to the Federal Government’s inability to join the coordinates of the boundary line where beacons were not planted, Which makes it easy for the Benue counterparts to trespass and cause havoc. He however commended the steadfastness and resolve of his people to maintain law and order, while they await the intervention of the National Boundary Commission.
The Chairman used the opportunity to commend the Chairman of the National Boundary Commission NBC, for his resolve to find lasting solution to the interstate incessant communal clashes, and charged the commission to give the demarcation exercise the urgency it deserves to avert further breakdown of law and order.
The Council boss however commended the painstaking efforts of Sir Lord Lugard for the great job done which makes it very easy for the National Boundary Commission NBC.
The Chairman recalled previous efforts made by the commission to resolve the boundary challenges which has always been stalled due to some reasons that have never been disclosed to the people who are at the receiving end of the tunnel, with resultant effects on lost of lives and properties Worth millions of naira. He further called NBC to swing into action expeditiously.
Mr. Ewhe reiterates the commitment of the people of Obudu Local Government Area to maintain peace and order and called on the Cross River State government to give NBC the support it deserves to ensure that the boundary line and beacons are planted now that the National Boundary Commission NBC, is set to bring lasting solution to the affected local government areas.
The Chairman paid special commendation to the Deputy of Cross River State who doubles as the Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ivara Esu who is also billed to lead the delegation to meet with the National Boundary Commission NBC, in Abuja for his dogged disposition and resilience in the pursuit of a lasting boundary between Cross River and neighbouring states and maintained that he is more decisive and resolute now than ever to pursue the demarcation exercise in Obudu to a logical conclusion.
