Influx of Refugees, Encroachment Bothers Obanliku, Obudu Communities in C’River

By Nelson Utip

Border communities in Obanliku and Obudu LGAs in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State are worried incessant influx of refugees from Cameroon, as well as unabated encroachments on their farmlands by people from Benue State.

The communities made this know during a town hall meeting which was attended by stakeholders, such as paramount rulers, clan heads, village heads, youth groups and heads of security institutions in the district.

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Onun Ngim Okpo, Director-General of the Cross River State Border Commission BORDERCOM held a meeting with them as part of the state government’s effort of conducting a Baseline Survey/Needs Assessment of border communities.

The stakeholders during the meeting pointed out that the encroachments into their farmlands often led to communal clashes with their neighbours, they requested the establishment of organized border patrol teams to address trespassing issues.

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Okpo assured the stakeholders of urgent government intervention in line with the people-centric leadership style of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, he emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence urging the communities to actively participate in the assessment to enhance government service delivery.