By Mary Bassey, House Of Assembly Correspondent
Cross River State Lawmakers have expressed worry over the alleged land encroachment in Ikun, Biase Local Government Area by the people of Okon in Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
The House of Assembly adopted resolutions calling on the State Government through its relevant Agencies, including the State Boundary Commission, to liase with the Federal Boundary Commission to realign the boundary between the two neighboring border communities to prevent violence.
The Legislators requested for the State Government to liaise with her Abia State counterpart to intervene in the looming crisis, deploy armed security personnel to Ikun as well as establish military and police checkpoints at the boundary between the two neighboring communities.
The resolutions were adopted following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance brought before the House by the Member representing Biase State Constituency, Honorable Francis Ogban Onette.
Hon. Onette recalled his earlier complaint on the floor of the House about the activities of the Okon-Ohafia people of Abia State who had removed the half stump of the beacon stone that demarcates the two neighboring communities.
He informed the Assembly that the Okon people had recently entered Ikun territory to clear and demarcate farm lands for themselves in preparation for the next farming season adding that the crisis can lead to communal clashes.
His words: “It shows that they are ready to attack the peace-loving people of Ikun community. This provocation, if not handled with care, can lead to communal clashes like it happened in 1996.”
He further called on his colleagues to support the matter to prevent loss of lives and property adding that the encroachment may be as a result of the rich mineral resources present in Ikun.
In divergent reactions, the lawmakers expressed concern over the matter, recalling their earlier resolution calling for urgent government intervention to prevent the crisis and protect lives and property. They also pray the State government to discharge its primary responsibility to protect lives and properties of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).
Remarking, the Speaker of the Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the Lawmakers for their concern over the plight of the Ikun people and assured that the 10th Assembly will not relent in its efforts at legislation that will protect and improve the lives of Cross Riverians.
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