Anietie Udobit
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has tasked the security agencies to ensure they maintain their presence in the disputed Iheosu-Iru area of Abia and Cross River states, to avoid further clashes.
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Mao, who expressed deep worry over the latest attack on Isu
community of Arochukwu Local Government Area by a neighbouring Utuma community
of Cross River State, advocated the deployment of more security personnel
around the Isu community particularly the IDP camp where most of the victims of
previous attacks are still taking refuge.
Both communities have been embroiled in communal clash
occasioned by protracted border dispute that has claimed many lives mostly on
the Abia side.
No fewer than two persons were killed, while 10 others
declared missing in the latest wave of attack by the invading Cross River
community on Monday morning.
President General of Isu community, Elder Felix Okoro, who
confirmed the attack said gunmen had laid siege on the unsuspecting Isu locals
and killed two natives while many others are still missing.
According to him the gunmen invaded Isu community about
8a.m. and shot dead two people before fleeing the scene.
Senator Ohuabunwa who strongly condemned the attack
described it as “unnecessary”, saying “there are better ways of resolving
disputes amicably than resorting to violence.”
He consoled with the families of the victims of the attack
and pleaded with the Isu community not to resort to reprisal attack as that
would only worsen the already tensed situation.
He also urged Abia and Cross River State Governments to
expedite action on the peacefulness resolution of the dispute.
Ohuabunwa further appealed to the Federal Government to
direct the National Boundary Commission to ensure proper delineation of the
border communities to forestall future clashes.
He recalled his efforts to ensure quick and peaceful
resolution of the crisis while he was still at the senate and urged Abia and
Cross River State Governments to take further steps to resolve the dispute.
“When I was still in the senate a resolution was made based
on my motion part of which was for the federal government to send relief
materials to the victims at Isu IDP camp.
“I learnt that that has been done few weeks ago but the
second leg of the resolution which is yet to be done was for the National
Boundary Commission to quickly resolve the dispute and I had gone further to
engage my Cross River colleague so we could fast -track the process but
unfortunately I didn’t return (to the senate).”