The call was made through a formal appeal to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), seeking immediate action to reconnect the communities to electricity and improve access to other basic amenities. The appeal was reportedly championed by the Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Senator Stephen Odey, on behalf of traditional rulers, political leaders, elders and residents of the Yache people.
According to the appeal, the Yache region occupies a vast portion of northeastern Yala and stretches toward the boundary between Cross River and Benue States. The area is known for large-scale agricultural production, supplying food and agricultural products to communities within and outside the state. Despite these contributions, residents say they have continued to suffer from a lack of electricity, poor road networks and inadequate access to potable water.
The affected communities include Alifokpa, Uchu, Ijiegu, Wonye, Osina and Mbuo, where residents reportedly endure difficult living conditions due to the prolonged absence of essential infrastructure. Community leaders argue that the lack of electricity has discouraged investment, slowed economic activities and prevented meaningful development from reaching the area.
Residents also highlighted the political importance of the Yache people, noting that the ward remains one of the largest voting blocs in Yala Local Government Area. With 33 polling units and over 23,000 registered voters, they believe the communities deserve greater attention from government authorities in recognition of their contributions to democratic participation and governance.
The appeal urged the South-South Development Commission to prioritize the provision of electricity to the area, describing power supply as a critical foundation for economic growth, improved healthcare delivery, education and rural industrialization. Community leaders expressed hope that intervention by the commission would help transform the region and improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The development comes amid growing concerns over infrastructure deficits in several rural communities across Cross River State, with stakeholders increasingly calling on federal and state authorities to accelerate development projects in underserved areas that play key roles in agriculture and food security.
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