Africa-Press – Nigeria. Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called on the National Boundary Commission, NBC, to properly delineate State boundaries, especially the ones between the state and her neighbors to reduce incessant skirmishes that have often led to bloodshed.
In the last two months, there have been reported killings between the people of Isu community in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State and the Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State over disputed limestone located on the boundary between the two states.
A delegation of the National Boundary Commission led by the Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, who was accompanied by Directors, Assistant Directors and Surveyors visited the state governor who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey.
The governor said NBC should revisit ancient mappings done by the colonial masters which have over the years failed to maintain peace as this was done for economic benefits rather than in the interest of the people.
Otu’s representative, Peter Odey who is also chairman of the State Boundary Committee, emphasized that NBC should develop new mapping instruments and strategies to benefit the State and the inter-state boundaries.
He added that as indigenes, “it is possible to define our own boundaries but proper mapping will prevent the frequent outbreaks of wars and destruction of lives and property between the states.”
Odey presented the Director-General with a brief on the ‘Issues On The Cross River Sector of The Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Inter-state Boundary Disputes’.
He assured that the State will work with NBC to ensure lasting peace.
Remarking, Director General, NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji noted that, “It is a fact that clearly defined and demarcated boundaries are essential for peaceful co-existence and cross border co-operation”.
He cited several inter-state interventions carried out by the NBC with slow progress due to an increasing quest for land, water and grazing rights as a result of demographic and climate change.
He appealed to the state government to support the State Boundary Committee to participate in all their joint activities.
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