ABI – The Cross River Government says it has taken over ownership of the farmland in dispute between the people of Usumutong and Ediba in Abi Local government area of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Efiok Cobhams, aid this on Wednesday while addressing traditional rulers, Chiefs and youths in the two communities.
Cobham warned the warring communities to steer clear of the disputed land so as not to further incur the wrath of the government.
“The state Government has ordered the take-over of the farmland which is to be preceded by full survey of the area in dispute.”
He said there was the need for people of both communities to shun unnecessary provocation of the military men in the area.
“Do not take laws into your hands; rather you should cooperate by giving useful information to law enforcement agencies to help them track down perpetrators of the violence.‘’
Cobham further warned youths in the area not to allow themselves to be used by elites to forment trouble.
He attributed the protracted crises in the area to the lack of cohesive leadership in both communities to broker peace, law and order in the area and blamed the elites and elders for the situation.
The deputy governor urged them to embrace peace, learn to forgive one another and accommodate each other in oder to achieve progress and development.
He further advised the people to go about their normal businesses without molestation, as government is in full control of the situation.
“Soldiers, Police and other law enforcement agents have been deployed to the disputed area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“The law enforcement agents have been further directed to deal decisively with any person or group that perpetrates any mayhem in the disputed area,’’ Cobham said.
The two communities have been engulfed in communal clashes over the ownership of the farmland. (NAN)
