The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its decision on the long-running boundary dispute between the Ugep and Idomi communities while suspending the curfew earlier imposed on the affected areas, despite a legal challenge filed by the Ugep community.

The Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who also chairs the State Boundary Committee, announced the suspension of the curfew during a Peace and Security Meeting held at the Biase Local Government Council Secretariat in Ibogo on Friday.

Odey said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to ensuring lasting peace and stability in the disputed area, urging both communities to accept the government’s decision and preserve the calm that has returned.

He explained that out of the 453 hectares of disputed land, the government allocated 203.85 hectares, representing 45 per cent, to Ugep, 181.20 hectares, or 40 per cent, to Idomi, while 67.95 hectares, representing 15 per cent, was designated as a neutral government buffer zone.

According to the deputy governor, the allocation followed a thorough assessment of all relevant facts and was aimed at promoting justice, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

Odey condemned the violence that recently claimed lives and destroyed property, while commending traditional rulers, security agencies, government officials and technical teams for their roles in the successful demarcation of the boundary.

He warned that anyone found destroying or tampering with government-installed boundary beacons would face prosecution. He also directed residents to respect the newly established boundary and refrain from farming or carrying out any activities within the buffer zone until further notice.

The deputy governor encouraged residents and farmers to return to their communities and farmlands without fear of intimidation, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure strict compliance with the government’s directives.

The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Yibala Inyang, praised the state government for resolving a dispute that had persisted for years. The Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, and HRH Ofem Inah also expressed support for the government’s peace efforts.

However, the Ugep community has approached the High Court in Calabar to challenge the boundary demarcation and the government’s 45-40-15 land allocation formula.

In the suit, the community asked the court to declare the allocation formula unconstitutional, illegal and void, arguing that it violates its constitutional rights to fair hearing and protection of property.

The claimants also relied on a 1992 High Court judgment, which they said nullified an earlier attempt by the state government to establish a buffer zone in the disputed area, insisting that the ruling remains valid and enforceable.

The community further alleged that it was compelled to sign an undertaking under duress and accused the government of enabling encroachment on its farmlands.

Among its demands are an order restraining further acquisition or survey of the disputed land and ₦500 million in damages against the Cross River State Government and the Idomi community.

Despite the legal action, the state government has maintained that the boundary demarcation was carried out in the interest of justice and lasting peace, urging all parties to respect the law while allowing the court to determine the matter.