With recent reports of herdsmen and farmers clashing in Odukpani and Yakurr local government areas of Cross River state, Governor Bassey Out, Thursday said machinery have been put in place to tackle headlong any form of security challenges and safeguard the state’s boundaries.
The governor, who said this at a meeting with the state Elders’ Forum and key stakeholders, said drones had been deployed for effective monitoring, and therefore promised enhanced security across the state.
“We are not surrendering an inch of our land to anyone. Cross Riverians are peace loving people, but our kindness must not be mistaken for weakness,” Out stated.
The governor said the lingering herdsmen clashes with farmers were from avoidable misunderstandings, and therefore stressed his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace.
On illegal mining, Otu expressed concern over the unchecked exploitation of Cross River’s natural resources, describing the practice as a threat to the state’s sustainability. He said Cross River was collaborating with security agencies for stricter enforcement and regulation.