Borderline communities in Obanliku and Obudu LGAs within the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State are distressed by the constant arrival of refugees from Cameroon and the persistent encroachment on their farmlands by individuals from Benue State.
Expressing their concerns during a town hall meeting attended by key stakeholders including paramount rulers, clan heads, village heads, youth groups, and heads of security institutions in the district, the communities highlighted the challenges they face.
At the meeting, the Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission (BORDERCOM), Onun Ngim Okpo, engaged with the residents as part of the state government’s efforts in conducting a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment of border communities.
The stakeholders emphasized the potential for communal conflicts arising from encroachments on their farmlands and requested the establishment of organized border patrol teams to address trespassing incidents.
Assuring prompt government intervention in line with the people-centric leadership approach of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Director-General stressed the significance of maintaining peace and encouraged active community involvement in the assessment process to improve government service delivery.