FG TO INTERVENE IN BOUNDARY CRISIS BETWEEN EBONYI AND CROSS RIVER STATES

The Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdrahman Dambazzau retired says the Federal Government is ready to collaborate with Ebonyi and Cross River State Governments for a permanent solution to the lingering boundary crisis between the people of the two States.

The Minister gave the assurance during a courtesy call on Governor David Umahi at Government House Abakaliki.

Lieutenant General Dambazzau who was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigeria Army, Major General Adobaba Abubakar, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad and other security chiefs in the State also visited thousands of Internally Displaced Persons and also inspected some villages in Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area which were affected by the crisis.

The Minister explained that the Federal Government was worried over the spate of loss of lives and property as a result of boundary clashes between the people of Ebonyi and their neighbours in Cross River State.

He noted that he had acquainted himself with the technical challenge of the disputed areas and assured the State Government that urgent steps would be taken to check further impact of the crisis on lives and food security.

Governor David Umahi commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sending the Minister to interface with the State on the matter and suggested the implementation of instrument lines before the consideration of States’ claims and political solution.

Some of the Internally Displaced Persons in their camp at Oshegbe Primary School told Radio Nigeria that the crisis had crippled social and economic activities in the community.

The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr Kelechi Igwe  and the State Coordinator, FADAMA III, Dr Cletus Nwakpu while conducting the Minister round the affected villages claimed that despite peace meeting involving the two states last three weeks, more families were forced out of their homes following further attacks on their villages.

AMECHI ODO