From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area following renewed clashes over a lingering land dispute.
The curfew, which takes effect immediately, restricts movement from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily for an initial period of seven days.
In a statement issued on May 5, 2026, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, said the measure was taken to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence, as well as a breakdown of law and order in the affected communities.
He explained that the decision followed a high-level peace meeting convened by the state government to address the crisis.
The meeting, held on Monday, May 4, 2026, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, and attended by officials of the State Boundary Commission, the Surveyor-General, and representatives of the warring communities.
According to the statement, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew, while allowing uninterrupted movement of essential traffic along the Ugep–Ikom Highway.
The government also called on the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler, clan heads, and other stakeholders to support security agencies and intensify sensitisation efforts to sustain peace.
Reaffirming its commitment, the government stressed that the administration of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu remains determined to ensure a fair, transparent, and lasting resolution of the boundary dispute in the interest of peace and development.
