The Senate has called for an end to hostilities in parts of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, over boundary disputes.
This followed adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River)at plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Ekpenyong said Odukpani had been plagued by land and boundary disputes.
He said that a boundary dispute between Ukwa community of Odukpani and Isu Community of Abia state, had claimed a substantial number of lives and destruction of property.
The senator said that the disputes between the communities, which resulted in unpremeditated fighting, increased during the farming season.
“The farming season is when there are claims and counter claims of land encroachment by both parties,” he said.
Ekpenyong expressed worry that if the situation in Odukpani and other parts of the state was not brought to an end, the laudable policy initiatives of governments, aimed at addressing infrastructure gap would be jeopardize.
He expressed worry that the peace, harmony, agricultural and mineral deposit potential of Odukpani was being threatened by the ceaseless and disturbing activities of the warring factions.
He raised alarm that there might be more reprisal attacks by aggrieved parties if government does not move fast to quell the situation and restore peace and order in the communities.
(NAN)
