YAKURR, UGEP – The Cross River State Government has reimposed a 24-hour curfew on Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area following continued tensions over a lingering land dispute.
The latest curfew, which takes immediate effect and will last for five days, marks another intervention by the state government to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the affected communities
The move follows an earlier curfew imposed on the communities in May 2026 as part of measures to restore peace after renewed hostilities over the boundary dispute.
The decision followed a peace meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, with the State Surveyor-General, the State Boundary Commission and representatives of the two affected communities in attendance.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, the state government said Governor Bassey Otu approved the curfew as a preventive measure to halt further escalation of tensions.
“Once again, in a bid to prevent tensions from the Ugep and Idomi communities of Yakurr Local Government Area, His Excellency, Senator Prince (Dr.) Bassey Edet Otu has approved a 24-hour curfew for five days, with immediate effect across both communities,” the statement read.
The government directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to strictly enforce the curfew, warning that violators would be dealt with according to the law.
The security agencies were also instructed to ensure that vehicles using the Ugep–Ikom Highway continue to move freely without obstruction.
“Governor Otu has since directed the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew as defaulters will be dealt with accordingly.
At the same time, they are to guarantee that vehicles plying the Ugep-Ikom Highway can move freely and without obstruction,” the statement added.
The government further appealed to the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler, Clan Heads and other community stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and help promote peace among residents.
They were also tasked with sensitizing community members on the need to maintain calm and support ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute.
The statement stressed that the Cross River State Government remained committed to achieving a fair and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“The Government wants everyone to know: it remains fully committed to resolving this land dispute fairly and peacefully, with the best interest of the State’s development at heart,” it stated.
The fresh curfew comes as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further tension between the neighbouring communities and find a lasting solution to the boundary disagreement.
Residents of Ugep and Idomi have been advised to comply with the directive and support peace initiatives aimed at restoring stability in the area.
This version gives the story a stronger conflict-development angle because readers now understand the curfew is a renewed government action after earlier measures. �
Cross River State News +1
