As the Ukelle-Izzi communal clash continue to claim lives in Cross River and Ebonyi States, the Senator representing Cross River North senatorial district, Dr Rose Oko, Wednesday, decried delay by the Federal Government to end the crisis.
Oko made the statement in respect of the motion that was moved on the floor of the senate recently mandating the National Boundary Commission, NBC, to commence delineation of the boundary between the two States, and for the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to move in with relief materials to salvage the situation in the internally displaced persons camps in host communities, which according to her nothing has been done in that regard.
She said the government is yet to show the political will expected to end the 13 years bloody communal clash that has devastated the area, therefore hampered socio-economic activities for over two months.
She said: “The Ukelle-Izzi communal crisis has assumed a dangerous dimension as killings, maiming, and destruction of property continue to rage.
“I am not pleased with the way and manner the federal government is handling this issue that is now a national matter of concern. The bloodbath is still on. Our people are killed daily and their property destroyed by sponsors and their footmen.
“It is totally unacceptable and disheartening to see inaction from National Boundary Commission, by not honouring the mandate given to them by the Senate to commence delineation of the boundary between Cross River and Ebonyi States as part of measures to end the crisis.
“Also the internally displaced persons are yet to receive any form of relieve material from the National Emergency Management Agency, to succour those who are survivors. The women and children are really in difficult situation as they are exposed to hunger, thirst, health, clothing and shelter challenges, especially during this raining season, which the cold is high and also easy spread of diseases.”
Meanwhile, the Senator has promised to send personal relieve materials to the displaced persons so they can be comfortable a little.
“I am going to send some relieve materials to my senatorial district and ensure every affected person gets it.
“I believe it will go a long way to tackle the challenges and trauma they have been immersed in. I still appeal to the people to embrace dialogue and for the issues to be handled appropriately so peace can return to the area”, she stated.