CRSG DECIDES ON GRABBING DISPUTING LAND IN BOKI.

_Hon. Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang (PhD), Visits Warring Communities In CRS, Sues For Lasting Peace._ By: Paschal Nyiam. The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang (PhD), has on Saturday, 28th June gone on a tour of visit to assess the security situation and damages on the Boje and Isobendeghe communities respectively.

Hon. Erasmus who confessed to be very disturbed and concerned by the recent incident of attacks and killings among the both sides, began by visiting the Commanding Officer of Edor barracks, Ikom, who received him warmly and gave him an insight on the situation on ground.

The Commissioner who doubles as the State Government’s representative assured that by the month of July, the boundary adjustment committee led by the State Surveyor General will bring out reports about the area contention and the land will be demarcated with a buffer zone carved out in the area to ensure sustainable and lasting peace and stability.

He then proceeded to the scene areas in Isobendeghe and Boje, visiting the respective clan heads, meeting with the various youths leaders, among other community’s leaders/ chairmen. He sued for peace and consoled with the families of the victims who lost their lives in the incident. He maintained that, engaging in communal violence/ wars prevents both communities from achieving agricultural production, attaining developmental heights and subjecting them to abject poverty, suffering and portraying the communities and Boki in general in bad light to investors and visitors.

The significant visit had the council boss, Etieka Mrs. Beatrice Nyiam in attendance, security operatives, media outlets such as the AIT, Hit FM, Arise, And the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) networks amongst others.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang expressed satisfaction on what he saw in both communities as it differed from the earlier reports of massive killings and great destructions peddled by some social media influencers. I am urging you all to remain resilient and leaving you the youths in particular with a charge to desist from all forms of vices and be law abiding, as those who threaten the peace of our society won’t be spared nor treated with soft hands. Erasmus warned. He advised the youths and other commuters to cooperate with the security forces saddled with the task of protecting, maintaining peace and securing the lives and properties. I am appealing that you set aside any perceived grudges and grievances and unite to form a coalition for the restoration of peace in Boje and Isobendeghe, Erasmus said.

He also assured both communities of the plans by the state government to acquire the disputed land in line with the provisions of the Land Act 1978, this will aid even development. As the People’s First administration under the leadership of HE, Sen. Prince Bassey E. Otu is very passionate about boosting the food sufficiency in the state. Going forward, he used the opportunity to cushion media outlets to shun peddling wrong, unconfirmed and unverified information about issues concerning security, by so doing, putting Boki on negative publicity to the public. Responding, the clan heads and council of chiefs of both communities appreciated the Hon. Commissioner for identifying with the people by personally painstakingly visiting them to ascertain the level of things. Returning back to his home residence, he was grandiosely received by his people with the Enyia~Atu traditional dance which was attended by traditional leaders, chiefs and youths across divides. Putting Boki on positive lights. Maintaining that Boki are hospitable people who loves peaceful coexistence and mutual friendship for one-another.