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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Some indigenes of Cross River State under the banner of Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC) Abuja, have decried the ongoing hostility between the people of Idomi and Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
YPC President, Eloma Ekpo Ikona and Secretary-General, Omini Oden, in a statement yesterday, lamented that the resurgence of tension and violence between two brotherly communities that have coexisted for generations was unfortunate and unacceptable.
Ikona and Omini said the infighting resurfaced at a time when the people should be united in pursuing development, economic growth, youth empowerment and social progress, stating that any act capable of threatening the peace and stability of Yakurr Nation should be firmly discouraged by all.
They recalled the historic “Ekori Peace Accord”, facilitated under the YPC’s Peace Mission, which brought together stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives and other critical actors from across Yakurr with a collective commitment to ending communal conflicts and fostering sustainable peace.
They said: “The spirit and letter of that accord remain relevant and must continue to guide actions and relationships among Yakurr Communities.
“YPC therefore appeals on all parties involved in the dispute to cease all forms of hostility, provocation and retaliatory actions. Violence has never resolved communal disagreements; rather, it leaves behind a trail of destruction, grief, economic hardship and setbacks to development.”
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Also, they further urged the traditional rulers, clan heads and community leaders in Idomi and Ugep to activate existing peace-building mechanisms and engage in constructive dialogue, adding that “youth groups and community associations to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions;
“Security agencies to maintain neutrality, uphold law and order and ensure the protection of lives and property.
“The Cross River State Government and Yakurr Local Government Council to facilitate meaningful engagement among the parties and support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution of the dispute.”
The statement added: “As custodians of the collective interest of Yakurr people, YPC reaffirms its readiness to work with all relevant stakeholders in promoting reconciliation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among our communities.
“YPC remain convinced that dialogue, respect for traditional institutions and adherence to established conflict-resolution mechanisms offer the most viable pathway to sustainable peace.
“The Yakurr Peoples Club reminds all sons and daughters of Yakurr that the people share a common ancestry, a common destiny and a collective responsibility to preserve the peace and unity that bind them. No disagreement should be allowed to undermine the progress, stability and development of the people.
“YPC call on the people of Idomi and Ugep to embrace peace, reject violence and recommit themselves to the ideals of brotherhood, harmony and mutual respect as enshrined in the Ekori Peace Accord.”
