Ugaga, Cross River State – The “Who is Who in Northern Cross River,” an influential organization focused on the development and peace of the Northern District, held a significant security meeting at Ugaga Town Hall on Monday. The gathering, led by the organization’s chairman, Dr. DC Enamhe, addressed the escalating tensions between the Ugaga and Igbekurikor communities, which have coexisted for over a century but now face a potential conflict that threatens their long-standing unity.
The central theme of the meeting was the precarious security situation in the region, particularly the brewing conflict between the Ugaga and Igbekurikor communities. Despite sharing a history that has bonded them as one people, recent disputes over land ownership and community identity have sparked tensions. The organization’s Security Committee is now tasked with seeking a final solution to this impending conflict.
Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, Director of the World Peace Centre in Okpoma, delivered a poignant address, lamenting the deep-seated issues contributing to the tension. He criticized the use of terms like “achella” and “Alor” to describe neighboring communities, noting that these terms foster division and undermine the sense of brotherhood that should prevail. Dr. Oko urged the communities to clarify the facts surrounding recent disputes, particularly regarding any loss of life, to prevent the spread of misinformation that could fuel further violence.
Dr. Oko also highlighted the dangerous trend of young people resorting to voodoo and other traditional practices for protection, which, he argued, only compounds the challenges. He stressed the urgency of addressing the root causes of the conflict, particularly the false narratives about land ownership that have been passed down through generations. According to Dr. Oko, with the region’s population expected to grow, these conflicts are likely to intensify if not resolved promptly.
In response, Hon. Sunday Obriku Ojiho, the Community Relations Officer for Yala 1 State Constituency, acknowledged the efforts made over the past months to maintain peace between the communities. He expressed confidence in the ongoing government initiatives, particularly the role of the Boundaries Commission in investigating and providing a lasting solution to the land disputes. Hon. Ojiho also commended the “Who is Who in Northern Cross River” for their unwavering commitment to peace and development in the region.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict, with the Security Committee of the organization taking the lead in coordinating efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further.