Community leaders in Ukelle have rejected reports that they agreed to the return of Izzi internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ebonyi State to Cross River State, warning that the misinformation could inflame an already tense situation.

The denial comes amid a lingering boundary dispute and communal clashes between the Izzi of Ebonyi and the Ukelle of Cross River.

Rt. Hon. Mom Olom, a former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and Isaac Okpokpo, speaking for the Ukelle Ka‑Calabar Forum, said a recent radio report by Amaechi Odo falsely claimed that the two communities had settled on returning IDPs.

They insisted the report misrepresented the outcome of a meeting convened by the Cross River/Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement on March 27, 2025.

The statement read in parts: “At a meeting of the Izzis and Ukelle communities held on March 27, 2025, at the instance of the Cross River/ Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement, chaired by Barr. Paschal Nwenyi, it was resolved that both parties would not rest on our oars until lasting peace is enthroned.

“We further resolved that the next meeting be held at the instance of both chairmen of Izzi and Yala Local Government Areas to demonstrate commitment to the pursuit of peace in their domain because of their apparent nonchalant attitude. The meeting was scheduled for the 17th of April 2025 at Mfuma South Ukelle.

“But rather than reflect what truly transpired, the reporter, Ameachi Odo, reported that the meeting was intended to finalise an agreement on the return of the Izzi IDPs to Ukelle land. The report was false, misleading and capable of engendering a feud, as he proposed to gratify his pay master.

“We, therefore, seize this medium to put the record straight that this was never contemplated since we lack the power to grant such a weighty request. Our position, therefore, is to approach the peace matter with utmost decorum, to gradually engage the process at the community, local government and state levels till the National Boundary Commission (NBC) has done the tracing and replacement of removed beacons at the known colonial boundary lines, as succinctly captured by items 6th and 15th of the inaugural communiqué of the peace movement of September 19th 2019 at Abakaliki.”

They went on to resolve: “Consequently, rising from an emergency meeting of Ukelle ka‑Calabar forum, the administrative headquarters of Ukelle Worldwide, on the 30th of April 2025, we accordingly resolved that there would be no more such community meetings till further notice, as such meetings tend to inflame tempers and generate needless tension.”

Separately, Mom Olom insisted there was no call for a new boundary between Cross River and Ebonyi states, pointing to the colonial‑era line from the taperal point of Akparata down south to Ijegibom.

“I’m calling on the National Boundary Commission to do the needful, retrace and replace the beacon stones that have been removed so that at the end of the day, both parties can talk. If they decide to remain in Cross River State, it will be the decision of the local government and the state, but for us as a people, we cannot make such a decision,” he said.

Olom noted that before Ebonyi State was created, the Izzi people acknowledged their Igbo heritage and agreed to coexist with the Ukelle despite the new state boundaries.

The long‑standing dispute has claimed lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira over the years.

Hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Friday, calling for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Gathering first at Isaac Boro Park, the demonstrators—who identified themselves as mothers and wives—marched along Aba Road to the Government House, carrying placards that read, “Bring back Fubara,”

“Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”

Chanting protest songs, the women made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of the governor and restore democratic structures in the state.

“We are a peaceful people and do not deserve this kind of injustice. The governor has been doing his job despite the distractions. What is happening now is not democracy,” one of the protesters told Channels Television.

The protestors denounced what they described as an “unconstitutional military rule masked as a state of emergency,” insisting that the people of Rivers State deserve governance rooted in democratic principles.

Leaders of the protest, while speaking with Channels Television, maintained that the ongoing political crisis had not deterred Fubara from fulfilling his duties.

They expressed frustration over what they perceive as a coordinated attempt to undermine the will of the electorate.

“We are here to defend our votes and the sanctity of our democracy. This is beyond Fubara; it’s about justice and the future of Rivers State,” one of the leaders said.

They emphasized that their demonstration was not politically motivated, but rather a stand for justice, peace, and the rule of law.

Women of all ages participated, ensuring the protest remained peaceful throughout.

Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state’s House of Assembly were suspended amid an ongoing political crisis that has rocked the oil-rich state.

In response, President Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Umar Farouk, a Deputy Director in the Niger State Ministry of Land Transportation, who was recently convicted for collecting a N11 million bribe, has reportedly been reinstated to his civil service position just two weeks after being sentenced to seven years in prison.

Investigation uncovered that despite the Niger State High Court’s judgment against Farouk, he was discreetly released from custody and has resumed his role in government, continuing to receive full salary and benefits during what was supposed to be his incarceration.

“How the case came up was that when I wanted to collect a contract from them, he demanded a bribe. When he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, I was relieved. But just two weeks later, I discovered he was out of prison,” the contractor who filed the initial petition told newsmen.

“When he was released after two weeks, the people concerned protested. They were sad; why would someone go to prison and be released within two weeks and even reinstated into the civil service? The protest led to his suspension, but after that, nothing else happened.”

“He is back working now like nothing happened. I was the one who filed the petition that led to his conviction. I’m shocked the government did not let him serve his sentence,” he added.

According to insiders, Farouk’s name was quietly added to a list of 104 inmates granted a pardon by the former administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. However, this inclusion is believed to have been manipulated.

“Because they wanted to free him, they had to free 104 inmates alongside him. His name was smuggled into the document,” a source within the Niger State civil service alleged.

“This was orchestrated by a former Commissioner of Justice. The governor at the time was not even aware.”

Another source within the Ministry of Transportation confirmed, “During his time in prison, the government did not stop his salaries. He was being paid. Now he is back on the payroll as if nothing ever happened.”

SaharaReporters’ findings show that in the final week of his administration in 2023, Governor Bello pardoned 24 convicts and paid N20 million in fines for 80 others to facilitate their release.

It is alleged that this move was engineered by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice at the time, Nasara Danmallam—a close associate of Farouk.

“This was done between a former commissioner and Umar Farouk. They used to do these dirty deals together. That’s why they didn’t let him suffer in prison,” said another insider.

When reached for comment, Farouk confirmed his return to public service but denied any wrongdoing in the process of his release.

“I was not smuggled out of the prison, I was out of the prison by a process, not illegally,” he said.

When asked for details on that process, he declined to elaborate.

“Go and meet my superior, the State Head of Service. You know I am under someone,” he stated.

Hadiza Idris Kuta, the current Commissioner for Transport, also confirmed Farouk’s reinstatement.

“I also investigated the matter. I was told the man was out of prison because he was pardoned. That was done by the past government,” she said.

“I know he is reinstated into the civil service but he is no longer in my ministry.”

She refused to disclose what position Farouk now holds in the civil service.

Farouk’s initial conviction stemmed from a prolonged trial prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He was charged in 2020 with multiple counts of gratification and abuse of office for accepting N11 million from a contractor in exchange for awarding a state contract.

“The accused person is standing trial on a 7-count charge for the offences of gratification by an official and using office or position for gratification contrary to Sections 8(1)(a)(ii) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000,” the judgment read.

“I find the accused person guilty as charged on all counts… Accordingly, the convict is sentenced to imprisonment for 7 years for each of the offences in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.”

The Coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Blessing Adagba, who was abducted by gunmen last Thursday, has been rescued after spending five days in captivity.

Adagba was taken from her hometown, Okposhi Eheku community, by unidentified gunmen.

Her release was confirmed on Wednesday evening during a phone interview with Channels Television by the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu.

Ukandu attributed her freedom to the swift intervention and coordinated efforts of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

“The victim was released Tuesday night. During the tracking of the suspects, after the release of the victim, we were able to arrest one of the syndicates,” he stated.

He further expressed optimism that the arrest would aid in dismantling the entire kidnap gang.

“We hope that the arrest of suspect will help our men in fishing out the rest of the gang,” Ukandu added.

Police investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal group.