The Cross River State Government has lifted the curfew in Ugep and Idomi following a resolution to their protracted boundary conflict. Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who leads the State Boundary Committee, announced the change during a security meeting in Biase. The government maintains that its decision to divide the 453 hectares of contested land—allocating 45 percent to Ugep, 40 percent to Idomi, and 15 percent as a government buffer zone—is final and intended to foster long-term stability.
While local leaders, including the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, initially pledged to support these peace efforts, the Ugep community has launched a legal challenge in the Calabar High Court. The community contends that the state’s allocation formula is unconstitutional and infringes upon their property rights. They have requested that the court invalidate the current arrangement, citing a 1992 judgment that allegedly prohibits similar buffer zone initiatives. Furthermore, the community is seeking 500 million naira in damages, claiming they were forced to agree to the terms under duress.
Despite the litigation, the state government insists the demarcation process was fair and necessary to prevent further violence. Authorities have warned residents that tampering with newly installed boundary beacons will result in legal prosecution. Meanwhile, residents have been encouraged to return to their agricultural activities, provided they avoid the restricted buffer zone area.
