The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu yesterday held crunch talks with the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Eric Kelechi Igwe and DG national border commission to proffer a permanent solution to the crisis between Ukelle South -- Yala LGA of Cross River and the Izzi people of Ebonyi State.
In an event that also featured medical outreach by the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Prof. Esu called on border communities of Ukelle in Yala Local Government Area (Cross River ) and Izzi in Abakiliki Local Government Area (Ebonyi ) to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in their areas.
The Acting Governor, who gave the advice in Ukelle south warring communities and also condoled with them over loss of lives, properties and infrastructures amidst the lingering boundary crisis, assuring that the Ben Ayade-led administration will stop at nothing to ensure protection of lives of Cross Riverians and to stop any reoccurrence of such wanton destruction! He noted that peace in the areas will enhance development like the road being constructed and other dividends of democracy.
Prof Esu said the matter has gone beyond the two States and called for the swift intervention of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
After the medical outreach where over 3000 persons benefited, the Acting Governor Prof Esu and his entourage proceeded to hold the meeting with chiefs from both warring communities in both States, which culminated in stakeholders signing a communiqué to embrace peace.
Also speaking, the Director-General, National Boundary Commission Dr. Muhammad Ahmad called for a final meeting of stakeholders at Abuja on 10th of July, where all boundary issues between Cross River and Ebonyi States will be finally put to rest.
In her own stead, the Director-General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu sensitized the warring communities on the need for peace. Lamenting the extent of damage caused by the war inspected the war, the DG brought out some war casualties to the main health outreach for proper medical attention. She also decried the destruction of the PHC facilities and the inability of covering children in the immunization exercise as a result of war; a situation she described as 'dangerous'.
She called on NEMA to assist while appealing to the people to be very vigilant and avoid taking laws into their hands.
Over 50 bags of rice, 30 big bags of beans, 50 bags of salt, blanket, toiletries and other relief materials were donated as well as free medical outreach for the people of southern Ukelle.
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