By CHRISTIAN NJOKU

The Government of Cross River says it will take over the disputed land between communities in Ikom and Obubura Local Government Areas of the state.

The communities involved in the land dispute are Alesi/Ekukunela/Agbaragba communities in Ikom LGA and Ochon/Isabang/Odonget communities in Obubra LGA even as the crisis escalated to terrific destruction of lives and properties in 2025.

The Deputy Governor of Cross River, Mr Peter Odey disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Linus Obogo, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Bassey Out and made available to the media on Friday.

Odey said that the decision came after weeks of deliberations by a committee set up to resolve the land by the state government.

“Our measures are coming after weeks of painstaking engagements spear-headed by the State Security Adviser, was to break the cycle of violence and restore harmony.

“The measures would include deployment of security operatives to enforce calm and the vesting of ownership rights of the disputed land in the state government.

“By this singular act, the root of contention is extinguished, transforming the territory into a protected heritage under state custody,” he said.

Odey emphasised that peace, safety and collective wellbeing remain sacrosanct.

He insisted that elders, youths and community leaders have been enjoined to embrace reconciliation, cooperate with security agencies and desist from hostilities.

He added that the only way true unity, progress and stability can take firm root across the state is by ensuring that communities live in peace.

It would be recalled that the state government had earlier set-up an eight-man committee to look into the matter and ordered all parties involved in the crisis to stop all activities on the land in contention. (NAN)