The Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and representative of Obudu State Constituency, Rt Honorable Sylvester Agabi Jr, has roundly condemned the killing of a Benue son from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue state by some irate elements in Obudu Local Government of Cross River State.
The incident was a result of communal clashes between the Abonkib community of Obudu Local Government Area and MBAZEREM community of Vandeikya.
Rt. Honorable Agabi, who has been out of the country on legislative assignment released a statement describing the attack as “inhuman, unacceptable, despicable and an act totally uncalled for that threatens the collective peace and tranquility enjoyed by the people who have for long lived in harmony.”
The protracted land dispute between Obudu (Cross River State) and Vandeikya (Benue State), involving two ethnic nationalities, has a long standing history, with renewed clashes reported.
While acknowledging the long-standing nature of the boundary dispute, Rt Honorable Agabi emphasized, “it is time for us to live in peace and harmony and stop the unnecessary bitterness towards one another for no justifiable reason.”
He extended his condolences to the family of the victims named Tarnenge and another stressing that the actions of a few “unscrupulous mob” do not represent the good people of Obudu. He vowed that the “long arm of the law will identify and fish out anyone who takes the law into their hands through jungle justice.”
“The incident is very unfortunate and I call on the families of those affected on both divides to exercise restraint and allow appropriate authorities to investigate and carry out the penal obligations,” Agabi urged. “This jungle justice must stop because it is not part of our tradition as a people.”
The Deputy Speaker also commended security agencies for their prompt response to the flashpoints, noting that their “tact in swinging into action at the red spots” prevented further escalation. He appealed to various local governments, institutions and community leaders to intensify dialogue, urging residents on both sides to remain calm and work towards restoring peace.
