The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. (Amb) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, has undertaken an on-the -spot assessment of the boundary area between Mbazerem community in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State and Abonkib community in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, following renewed concerns over territorial encroachment.
The inspection exercise commenced from Beacon 75, down to 74, which is the tripartite boundary between between Obudu, Vandiekya, and Kwande Local Government Areas, as the Chairman traced the demarcation lines again through Beacons 73 and 72 and back along the boundary corridor. During the tour, he expressed deep concern over what he described as a gradual but persistent encroachment by Mbazerem settlers across the designated buffer zone separating the two communities.
Hon. Undiandeye was accompanied by members of the Nigerian Police Force, representatives of the Aboikib community, the Special Adviser on Peace and Security, Mr. Ikem Emmanuel, the Deputy Leader of the Obudu Legislative Council, Hon. David Akpanke, as well as other key council appointees. The Chairman noted that the buffer zone, originally established as a neutral boundary, is increasingly being compromised, thereby heightening the risk of tension if not urgently addressed.
He emphasized that the lingering boundary dispute has, over the years, been a source of intermittent conflict, often linked to disagreements over land ownership and agricultural activities. He therefore called on relevant authorities, including the National Boundary Commission and security agencies, to take proactive steps in reinforcing the boundary and preventing further encroachment.
The Chairman also urged community leaders and youths to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that peaceful dialogue remains the most viable path to resolving the dispute. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the territorial integrity of Obudu communities and maintaining peace in the area.
In a further step towards resolving the issue, Hon. Undiandeye disclosed plans to schedule another inspection visit, this time alongside his counterpart, the Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area and his team, to jointly assess the situation and seek a lasting solution to the encroachment concerns.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Obudu Local Government Council to sustain peace and prevent a recurrence of past conflicts in the affected boundary communities.
Signed: Ikwen Atuaka Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman Obudu Local Government Council 04/05/2026
