Ayade moves to de-escalate tension btw Cross River community and Cameroon


.To seek President Buhari's intervention


Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade at the weekend sent a high-powered delegation to Danare 2 in a bid to de-escalate tension between the community and some neighbouring communities in the Republic of Cameroon.

This followed reports of renewed hostilities between the community in Nokia Local Government of the state and their neighbours in Cameroon.

The delegation which was led by the State Security Adviser, Mr Jude Ngaji and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa met with the leaders of the community, including youth leaders.

Speaking at the meeting with the community leaders, Ngaji assured the people that the governor will seek the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter as it involves a foreign country.

While urging them to keep the peace and not react to the provocation of the Cameroonians, he said to governor will be swift in finding solutions to their problems.

"This is a border community and the governor will take it to President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that something is done as quickly as possible," he told the people.

He disclosed that the statement government will soon bring infrastructural development to the area so as to give them a sense of belonging.

On his part, the state Commissioner of police, Mr. Hafiz inuwa said the purpose of the visit was to bring down the tension brewing in the area.

Inuwa, who spoke with newsmen after the meeting, said: "We have urged them to embrace peace and dialogue while the state and federal governments are doing everything possible to ensure that not an inch of Nigerian soil is surrendered to any foreign country.

He disclosed that the state police command has deployed its men to the community to ensure peace, adding, "As police, we have deployed our men to bring peace."

Similarly, a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon Itam Abang told the people that the governor has shown interest in the matter that is why you are seeing this high power delegation led by the State Security Adviser and the Commissioner of Police  and myself.

"We are working towards restoration of peace in this area and  know that our people are not going to be abandoned. That is why we came into the last village to see things for ourselves

"We want the United Nations to go back and re-deliniate and conclude what they started in 2013 because it has not been concluded."

The Village head, Chief Achibal Gabor said his people want a security presence at the land border between their community and Cameroon. 

"We want the land border protected. We don't want to see any Cameroonian Crossing to our land without checks because they will continue to unleash their violence against us.if you know that we belong to Nigeria, then do something now."

On his part, the Youth leader, Jabim kekung commended the state government for the quick response and asked that the community be protected from their aggressors.

"We commended the government for sending this delegation. We have recorded casualties on account of this matter. As we speak at least fifteen lives have so far been lost. We are living in fear, so now that Government is here, please help us."