The member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Victor Abang, has called for an immediate end to the renewed communal violence between Boje and Isobendighe communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Abang condemned the clashes as unacceptable, warning that the recurring violence was claiming lives, destroying property and farmlands and undermining economic activities and development in the affected communities.
The lawmaker appealed to residents of both communities to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue in resolving their differences, stressing that peace remained essential for meaningful development.
“We must collectively work to ensure peace and harmony among our people. Cordial and harmonious coexistence is paramount to socio economic development and growth. We cannot continue with the callous destruction of lives and property every now and then. It is an embarrassment,” he said.
Abang praised the Nigerian Army, particularly troops of the 13 Brigade, Calabar, and the Nigeria Police for their prompt intervention following the outbreak of violence.
He said the deployment of security personnel had helped restore relative calm and provided the necessary environment for stakeholders to seek a lasting solution to the crisis.
The lawmaker urged the security agencies to maintain vigilance and sustain their presence in the affected communities to prevent further escalation.
“I want to appeal to the security agencies to remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. I equally call on community leaders, elders, youths and other stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation,” he said.
He also commended the Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Eti Eka Beatrice Nyiam, for her intervention and efforts to de escalate the crisis.
“I specifically thank our Local Government Council Chairman, Eti Eka Beatrice Nyiam, for rising to the occasion to de escalate the situation. As stakeholders, we must devise a lasting solution to this menace. Enough is enough,” Abang stated.
He urged the people of Boje and Isobendighe to embrace peaceful coexistence, noting that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Abang further advocated sustained dialogue involving the affected communities, traditional institutions, government authorities and other stakeholders to resolve the issues fuelling the recurring clashes and prevent future outbreaks.
The latest crisis reportedly resurfaced about two weeks ago, prompting the deployment of soldiers and policemen to the affected communities.
The Nigerian Army has since assumed security operations in the area, while the Cross River State Police Command said it had intensified security measures and engaged relevant stakeholders to ease the tension.
The command also appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of further aggravating the situation.
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