By Admin
In a move aimed at ending the lingering inter-communal conflict between the Ekukunela/Alesi communities in Ikom Local Government Area and the Odonget/Ochon/Isabang communities in Obubra Local Government Area, the Cross River State Government has inaugurated an 8-man peace committee to investigate the root causes of the crisis and recommend lasting solutions.
The affected communities have been in a longstanding land dispute that has repeatedly erupted into violence, disrupting livelihoods and threatening regional stability.
Recent clashes reportedly led to the destruction of property, injuries, and the displacement of dozens of residents, many of whom are now seeking refuge in nearby villages.
Community members have accused one another of encroachment, boundary violations, and attacks, raising fears of a broader escalation if urgent steps are not taken.
The committee was officially inaugurated yesterday, during a high-level peace and security meeting convened by the Deputy Governor of the state, Peter Odey, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room in Calabar.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security officials, and other critical stakeholders from the affected areas. Tensions had escalated in recent weeks, resulting in reported casualties, destruction of farmland, and displacement of several families prompting urgent intervention by the state government.
In response to the worsening situation, the government announced the formation of the peace committee tasked with restoring order and fostering long-term reconciliation.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor condemned the recurring violence and emphasized the government’s commitment to peaceful resolution. He directed that all activities on the disputed land be suspended with immediate effect pending an official boundary demarcation.
He also ordered community leaders from both Ikom and Obubra to submit all relevant documents relating to the dispute to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who also chairs the committee. The deadline for submission was set for 12 noon on Monday, August 1, 2025.
The peace committee was given a two-week mandate to investigate the conflict, recommend practical solutions, and propose urgent palliative measures for displaced persons. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to review compliance with the resolutions and assess progress made by the committee.
The Deputy Governor further directed the Chairmen of the two affected local government areas to ensure full enforcement of the government’s directives, warning that any failure to comply would attract immediate suspension from office. He appealed to all parties to embrace peace and maintain order, reiterating that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu would not tolerate any form of lawlessness or defiance.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Fred Abua, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peacebuilding and urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure lasting harmony in the region.
