By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Deputy governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has sued for permanent peace among the Yache community in Yala local government with their neighboring Benue State community over the recent communal clash that resulted in the loss of a life and destruction of property.
He made the remarks when his Benue State counter, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Ode, led a delegation to interact with him at Ijegu, Yache, recently.
Odey expressed deep regret for the loss of life and property each time there was a communal clash between the two waring communities. He however extended sympathy to those who suffered the loss of loved ones and property.
He also reassured them of government’s commitment to ending the constant hostilities between their neighbors in Benue state.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to the law at all times to avoid the repeat of the ugly incident.
Earlier, the deputy governor of Benue State, Dr Sam Ode, had conveyed the greetings of the Benue State governor noting that there was need for absolute peace amongst the two neighboring communities.
He commended Senator Steve Odey for his commendable leadership efforts within the community and expressed his deep disappointment over the unfortunate situation between the two communities that had historically coexisted as brothers.
He stated, “the Governor of Benue State has directed me to inform you that all of our people who are remotely or directly involved in this crisis will be identified, fished out and punished. I have come to extend a hand of fellowship and friendship to the people of Yache”.
He assured the community that the government would do everything possible to provide solace to communities affected by the loss of lives and property.
Dr.Ode explained that the situation was not a dispute over land ownership, but rather a tragic incident stemming from a confrontation between an Ijegu community member and Tiv neighbors who were cultivating the land. This confrontation led to a loss of life.
Also speaking, the Clan Head of Maa Clan, Mohie Isaac Omaji, stated that the perpetrators of this tragic event should face the full weight of the law when apprended.
He said that it was not a communal clash but a landlord-tenant disagreement.
The Tiv tenants, who had previously issued threats and engaged in violent acts against members of the Ijegu community, orchestrated the crisis in an attempt to seize the land, he pointed out.
He requested for a beef up of security presence in the vicinity, immediate apprehension of those responsible, and urged the government to facilitate a peaceful resolution as soon as possible.
He also announced that the community would no longer consider the land for separate settlement, but instead embrace cohabitation with their Tiv neighbors to foster social integration.
A peace accord was later signed by Clan heads and Chiefs from both communities.
They were advised to avoid the conflict zone until the peace accord is ratified, and promised approval of a security vote to cover for the deployment of additional personnel to the area.
The Paramount Ruler of Yala, His Royal Majesty, Amb. Ogamode Onah Ipuole, conveyed his gratitude through a representative for the timely visit of the deputy governors and the palliative contributions made to the community.
He assured that Yala’s traditional rulers had been diligent in maintaining law and order, urging the Benue state government to also engage their traditional rulers in efforts to restore peace between the two communities.
He was accompanied by key officials including the State Surveyor-General, State Security Advisers, Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, and Permanent Secretary, Exco Chamber and Conflict.
