Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State 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 aimed at preventing further loss of life and property following clashes between the four communities and to allow security agencies to deal with the situation.
Seven people were reportedly killed and dozens injured in the communal clashes.
Otu’s curfew declaration is contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Emmanuel Ogbeche, on Tuesday in Calabar.
“The curfew is necessary following territorial and border disputes that have given rise to security threats leading to the unjustified destruction of lives and property.
“I hereby impose a dusk to dawn curfew in Ugaga and Igbekurekor communities of Yala Local Government Area as well as Benekaba and Ujama.
“The curfew is intended to enable security agencies to decisively address the situation in the affected communities and restore normalcy,” the governor said.
Otu directed the State Emergency Management Agency to come up with immediate intervention in terms of relief materials for the victims of the crisis.
He urged traditional rulers of the affected communities to immediately find ways to restore peace and friendship.
The governor said he would hold them responsible for any new disturbance of public order in their domains.
He appealed to the people of the affected communities to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.
The governor warned them to strictly observe the curfew in their own interest.