(State Assembly calls for community leaders’ arrest over deadly clashes)

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has raised concerns over the growing humanitarian burden caused by the influx of refugees into the state, a situation he said is taking a toll on the government.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Ms. Dimanche Sharon, at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, Otu described the situation as increasingly unsustainable. He disclosed that the state is currently hosting over 50,000 refugees, mostly from neighbouring Cameroon, placing severe pressure on already limited state resources.

“Migration may come with opportunities globally, but in our context, it’s a heavy humanitarian and economic burden. Cross River has become a refuge for thousands fleeing conflict and we are struggling to keep up,” the governor said.

Otu appealed for enhanced international collaboration in refugee management, psychosocial support services, and improved cross-border coordination. He also highlighted the peaceful and organised nature of the state, describing it as an emerging economy with vast potential for investment, innovation, and global partnerships.

“Cross River is one of the most peaceful and socially organised states in Nigeria. We are eager to collaborate with partners like IOM to turn our challenges into opportunities,” he noted.

The governor welcomed IOM’s interest in partnering with the newly established Cross River State Diaspora Commission and expressed the state’s readiness to co-develop a comprehensive migration and refugee response programme, backed by data, technology, and sustainable financing models.

Responding, IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Dimanche Sharon, praised the governor for his leadership and hospitality, sharing her reflections on the warmth and promise she experienced upon arriving in Nigeria and, more recently, in Cross River.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State House of Assembly has called for the immediate arrest of Clan Heads, youth and women leaders from Boje and Isobendege communities in Boki Local Council who are suspected to have played roles in the ongoing land dispute between the two neighbouring communities, which has now degenerated into a deadly conflict.

The call is part of a resolution of the House, following a motion of urgent public importance brought before the Assembly by the member representing Boki I State Constituency, Bette Philip Obi, on the ongoing land dispute between the two communities.

According to Obi, the land in question is officially designated as government reserve land and, therefore, cannot be legally claimed by either community. He reported that the conflict has led to several casualties, including the beheading of a man from Boje, and warned that if immediate action is not taken, the violence could spiral into a full-scale communal war.

In their various contributions, members, who spoke, demanded a full investigation into the involvement of the community leaders in the crisis and called on the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to urgently deploy security personnel to Boje and Isobendege to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. (The Guardian)