FG calls for resuscitation of peace committees between Cross River, Ebonyi 

The Federal Government has called for the resuscitation of peace committees between Cross River and Ebonyi states.
A statement signed by Kabir Isa‎, Resident Information Officer, National Boundary Commission, in Abuja on Friday stated.
Isa said in a bid to curtail the hostilities among communities of the boundary corridor between the two states, a joint consultative meeting of stakeholders on the boundary management was held in Abuja.
He said the meeting, which was convened by the commission was attended by the Deputy Governors of Cross River and Ebonyi states, Prof. Ivara Esu and Eric Igwe, respectively.
Isa said: “In a communique read by the Director-General of the Commission, Dr Muhammad Ahmad, it was resolved that all forms of hostilities and violence along the boundary must be stopped forthwith.
“The communique stressed the need to resuscitated the peace communities earlier constituted and be made functional.
“Relevant officers of the two states should be appointed from the offices of the deputy governors, to coordinate the engagements of the affected communities in ensuring peaceful co-existence.”
Isa said the meeting also recommended the setting up of the security personnel task force to monitor and ensure compliance with all resolutions jointly agreed.
He added that it was agreed that in the meantime, the two state governments must ensure all activities at the Erei Palm Plantation were stopped pending the resolution of the matter ‎.
He said: “The communique advised the three communities in the Erei Palm Plantation comprising Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“Egbor and Urugbam in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, to resume peacefully, their traditional mode of sharing products of the plantation.”
He said there was a call on the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Refugee Commission, to speedily intervene in the issue of resettlement of the internally displaced persons in the area.
He added that security agencies should also ensure the issue of disarmament was rounded off within 90 days from the day of the meeting.
Isa said that two deputy governors of Cross River urged traditional rulers not to relent in preaching the need for peaceful coexistence among the people.
He said the Ebonyi State deputy governor said peace was the only alternative to achieve any meaningful development.
The statement quoted Ahmad as commending the governors of the two states for their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis, urging them to promptly implement the cross boarder projects in their respective states.
‎He said some senators, members of the House of Representatives as well as traditional rulers and representatives of security agencies were also in attendance at the meeting.