In a move to tackle the rising tension between two neighbouring but warring communities of Ugep and Idomi in Yakurr Local Government Area, the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
Key Highlights:
- Bassey Otu imposed a 6pm–6am curfew on Ugep and Idomi communities.
- The curfew will last for five days and takes effect immediately.
- The measure aims to curb tensions over a long-running land dispute.
- Security agencies have been ordered to enforce the curfew, with sanctions for violators.
- Traffic on the Ugep–Ikom Highway will remain unrestricted during the period.
The curfew, effective immediately, restricts movement from 6pm to 6am for a period of five days.
The measure follows a high-level peace meeting convened on Thursday, June 11, 2026 and chaired by the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, with the state surveyor general, the state boundary commission, as well as representatives from the two feuding communities in attendance.
According to an official statement released by the state government and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpnag, the temporary nighttime measure is designed to prevent further hostilities while authorities work toward a lasting resolution to the protracted land dispute.
In the statement, Governor Otu, directed the police and all relevant security agencies to ensure rigorous enforcement of the curfew from dusk to dawn, warning that defaulters will face appropriate sanctions.
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However, in a critical provision for regional mobility, security operatives have been instructed to guarantee that vehicles plying the Ugep-Ikom Highway can move freely and without obstruction at all times, including daytime hours.
The statement further directs the chairman and paramount ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, alongside clan heads and key stakeholders from both communities, to collaborate closely with security agencies in ensuring strict enforcement of the nighttime curfew, while also disseminating peace messaging and reminding residents of the imperative to maintain calm and order during both day and night.
The state government in the statement, reiterated its full commitment to resolving the land dispute fairly and peacefully with the best interest of the state’s development at heart.
