Obubra, Cross River – In a landmark achievement, the Partners for Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta has successfully resolved a decades-long communal land dispute between the Ofatura and Ovonum communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The conflict, which spanned over 70 years, had resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of over 3,000 residents, and the destruction of properties, including 35 houses, during its most recent flare-up in 2023.
The resolution was reached through a series of well-coordinated peacebuilding activities, including fact-finding missions on the root causes of the conflict, advocacy visits, dialogue sessions, and mediation efforts spearheaded by P4P.
The intervention culminated in a joint peacebuilding meeting that led to the signing of a historic peace accord by representatives of both communities. The signing ceremony, steeped in symbolism, included a ritual involving Bibles donated by Gideons International.
Each community, alongside P4P, signed on the Bibles, which were then exchanged and placed in their respective palaces as a memorial of their commitment to peace. The ritual signified a solemn promise by both communities to forsake violence and resolve future disputes through dialogue.
Speaking during the event, the Cross River State Coordinator of P4P, Ukorebi Esien, praised the communities for their courage and willingness to embrace peace. “This is a remarkable step towards sustainable coexistence. By choosing dialogue over conflict, the Ofatura and Ovonum communities have set a powerful example for others facing similar challenges,” he said.
The intervention also involved the training of community leaders on conflict resolution and mediation skills, and the establishment of a community-based conflict monitoring system. P4P also secured the buy-in of key government officials and agencies, ensuring the sustainability of the peace process.
For decades, land disputes in Cross River State have been a source of recurring violence, but this resolution is a beacon of hope. Traditional leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders in both communities expressed their gratitude to P4P for their pivotal role in bringing peace.
The Local Government Chairman Chief Alex Irek, commended P4P for their unwavering commitment and strategic approach. “This initiative has proven that peace is achievable when communities and stakeholders come together with sincerity of purpose,” he remarked.
As part of the agreement, both communities pledged to respect the peace accord and continue engaging in dialogue facilitated by P4P and other mediators when conflicts arise.
This milestone reaffirms the importance of community-driven peacebuilding efforts while emphasising the critical role of stakeholders in fostering harmony in conflict-prone areas.
“Peace is the greatest gift we can give ourselves,” said one community elder. “We will uphold this agreement and ensure our children inherit a legacy of unity, not conflict.”
