Otu imposes curfew on 4 communities in Cross River

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ugaga, Igbekurekor, Benekaba and Ijama communities in Yala Local Government Area of the state.

The curfew is to forestall further loss of lives and properties following clashes between the four communities, and to enable security agencies deal with the situation.

This is contained in a statement issued by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, on Tuesday in Calabar.

“The curfew is necessary following land and boundary disputes which have resulted in security threats leading to wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“I hereby impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ugaga and Igbekurekor communities of Yala local government area, as well as in Benekaba and Ujama, respectively.

“The curfew is to enable security agencies to deal decisively with the situation in the affected communities and restore normalcy,’’ the governor said.

Otu directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work out immediate intervention in terms of relief materials for victims of the crisis.

He urged traditional rulers in the affected communities to immediately work out ways to restore peace and amity.

The governor said he would hold them responsible for any further breakdown of law and order in their domains.

He appealed to people in the affected communities to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.

Otu warned them to, in their own interest, adhere strictly to the curfew.