Following the protracted communal clash between some boundary communities in Cross River and Ebonyi States over a piece of land under dispute that has led to attendant loss of lives and property, a federal lawmaker, representing Ogoja/ Yala Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Agom Jarigbe, has tasked Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, to show commitment over the rising insecurity in the area.
Jarigbe stated this on Wednesday in a post on his Facebook wall, where he expressed worry and concern over the killings, rising hatred, increased number of displaced persons, hardship and others, which he said Umahi should step up security in the troubled area by adequately collaborating with Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, to settle the dispute that has become bloody over a long period.
According to him the primary responsibility of government at all levels is to provide security for lives and property, which he expected the Ebonyi State government should do to avoid further loss of lives and property.
He said: “I wish to implore the Gov of Ebonyi State to step up his game in terms of Security in that area. He seems to be unperturbed, as our people get killed.
“The Ebonyi State Governor should emulate the Gov of CRS in handling the issue of Land dispute between the Izzi Communities of Ebonyi and Mfuma Communities in Cross River State.”
He also commended the Cross River State Governor’s effort to bring peace in the area, which he has deployed logistics to the Nigerian Army to further step up security in the affected communities of both states.
“We are so impressed that before we could reach the Gov of CRS, he had already deployed logistics for the Army to move in to the troubled area.
“As member representing Ogoja/ Yala Federal Const ituency, we thank GovAyade for the proactive measures he has taken to calm the situation”, he added.
He also called on youth and chiefs in the communities to shelf their sword and embrace dialogue for amicable resolution of the crisis. He charged community leaders of the warring communities to put down pride and sentiments and come to terms to stop further killings as they were brothers and neighbours.
