BOKI (CONVERSEER) – The fight over a parcel of land has claimed two lives as well as injured three in Boki Local Government of Cross River State.
Converseer reports that the incident, which escalated on Monday, saw two Boki communities, Boje and Isobendeghe, go teeth-for-teeth despite efforts to arrest the conflict.
“Two people were killed while three others were injured. Those injured are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility,” a source stated.
In a press statement on Monday, the Council Chairman, Hon. Eti-Eka (Mrs) Beatrice Etta Nyiam, condemned the unfortunate resurgence of violent conflict between the two communities, which has tragically resulted in the loss of lives and disruption of peace.
According to the statement signed by Hon. Nyiam, “This latest outbreak of violence is both regrettable and unacceptable, especially in light of the concerted and sustained efforts by the Boki Local Government Council to foster peace between the two neighbouring communities.
“These efforts have included multiple high-level peace meetings with the State Security Adviser, consultations with security agencies, the signing of a peace accord, and a critical dialogue facilitated by the Council held at the Paramount Ruler of Boki’s Palace at Olum.
“As well as a peace meeting held on the 16th of June, which involved the SA Security Central and the Surveyor General of the State’s team for the purpose of delineation of boundary for lasting peace, which was agreeable by both communities.
“Despite these extensive interventions, it is both disheartening and condemnable that a segment of actors has chosen the path of violence over peaceful coexistence.”
The Chairman reiterates in the strongest possible terms that those found culpable in inciting or executing these acts of violence will face the full wrath of the law.
“Lawlessness and impunity have no place in Boki, and this administration will not tolerate any actions that threaten our collective peace and unity,” the statement further noted.
The incident was also condemned by the Cross River State House of Assembly at the Tuesday plenary.
The matter which was brought before the House by Hon. Bette Philip Obi, member representing Boki I State Constituency, was tagged “deadly conflict.”
According to Hon. Obi, the land in question is officially designated as government reserve land and, therefore, cannot be legally claimed by either community.
He asserted that the conflict has led to several casualties, including the beheading of a man from Boje. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, the violence could spiral into a full-scale communal war.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable”, emphasised that no community disagreement should ever result in bloodshed, and tasked relevant authorities to act fast.
“This House will not tolerate the needless killing of innocent people. We demand immediate security deployment to restore order, protect lives and property, and send a strong message that violence has no place in our dear state,” Ayambem stated.
The House called on the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to urgently deploy security personnel to Boje and Isobendege to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
The House also urged the arrest of Clan Heads, Youth Leaders, and Women Leaders from both communities who are suspected to have played roles in the violence. A full investigation into their involvement in the crisis was also demanded.
