By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Traditional chieftains and stakeholders in Ukim Ita Eyo Ndem village and neighbouring communities in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State directed that all newcomers into their communities must register with the village heads before settling.
They have also advised landowners to conduct background checks on prospective buyers of their lands.
At a town hall meeting held weekend attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and women, they also resolved that non-indigenes purchasing land for residential purposes must build permanent houses with cement blocks and conventional roofing materials.
They arged that temporary mud and thatched structures had become hideouts for criminals.
Recall that few months ago, media reports mentioned that 30 persons were killed serially even as some were beheaded in those communities, leading to panic among settlers and indigenes.
As a result, traditional authorities met and announced six security measures to curb crime following the killings that claimed those lives.
The measures were unveiled with participants agreeing on strategies to restore peace and strengthen security.
Etubom (Arc.) Abàsi Eyo Ndem of the Ntiero Royal House said the killings exposed serious security lapses that require both traditional and modern responses.
He warned criminals to abandon their activities or leave their communities, stressing that the traditional institution would no longer tolerate acts capable of endangering residents.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while criminality destroys our communities. The laws that will guide this land henceforth will not favour those who choose the path of crime,” he said.
Among the resolutions adopted was a ban on the burial of deceased persons within residential compounds.
Communities were directed to establish and use designated public cemeteries, while anyone flouting the directive would be subjected to investigation.
The chieftains added that traditional sanctions would be invoked to ensure compliance with the new security framework.
Prime Minister of the Efut Nation, Chief Efefiong Nta, called for the establishment of a local government-backed vigilante outfit, saying security requires active participation from residents.
Representing the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Council Secretary Daniel Enang commended the community for taking proactive steps and assured residents of the council’s support in combating crime..
A Commissioner with the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, Daniel Edet, cautioned against attempts to force settlers out of the community, noting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere in the country.
He advocated stronger community policing and renewed support for state police.
The Village Head of Akai Ibonda, Asikpo Efiong Etim, also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies, describing community cooperation as critical to preventing future attacks.
