Cross River Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee(SBC), Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving the protracted communal crisis between Ebom and Ebijaghara communities in Abi Local Government Area, with a view to restoring peace and facilitating the return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
Odey gave the assurance during a meeting with community leaders and security stakeholders at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar on Tuesday.
Presiding over the meeting, the Deputy Governor described the crisis as one that had persisted for far too long, stressing the need for a practical roadmap to lasting peace.
“The Ebom-Ebijaghara crisis has been going on for far too long, and we want to find a roadmap to peace in this area,” he said.
Referring to the report of the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba-led committee established by the previous administration, Odey explained that a reviewed version of the recommendations contained in the report and its accompanying White Paper would guide the government’s efforts towards resolving the dispute.
He expressed regret over the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira resulting from the crisis, noting that although the government could not bring back those who had lost their lives, it was determined to prevent further casualties and destruction.
Odey disclosed that Governor Otu’s administration had commenced implementing some of the recommendations, including the ongoing construction of the Bahumono road network. He added that the administration would intensify efforts to ensure that the displaced people of Ebijaghara return to their ancestral homes and live peacefully with their neighbours.
The Deputy Governor appealed to leaders of both communities to make necessary compromises in the interest of peace, urging them to prioritise dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence over prolonged hostilities, noting that they are brothers with shared ancestral and cultural ties.
Earlier, the Senior State Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Obono Ubi (rtd.), explained that the meeting was convened in response to the approximately 20-year displacement of the people of Ebijaghara from their ancestral homes following the communal crisis between the community and neighbouring Ebom, both in Abi Local Government Area.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Abi Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Egbala Bassey, Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Ettah, and the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM (Ovai) Elder Solomon Osim Edward, commended the state government for its commitment and proactive approach to resolving the crisis.
They expressed optimism about the renewed peace efforts and pledged their support for the government’s peacebuilding, reconciliation and rehabilitation initiatives.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Acting Clan Head of Ebijaghara, Clan Head of Ebom; community stakeholders, a representative of the Commissioner of Police, and other government officials.
