Egbona Condemns Renewed Ugep-Idomi Clash, Calls for Immediate End to Hostilities
By Ebi COLLINS
Member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona, has strongly condemned the renewed violent clash between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, describing the conflict as a “senseless war” that must end immediately.
Egbona expressed deep sadness over the resurgence of hostilities between the neighbouring communities, particularly following reports that two persons lost their lives in the latest outbreak of violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the federal lawmaker lamented that despite previous peace efforts by himself and other prominent leaders, the conflict had once again escalated, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
“I have been informed of the renewed clash between the Ugep and Idomi people and I feel really sad that despite all my efforts and the efforts of well-meaning leaders, this mad and senseless war has again reared its ugly head,” he said.
According to Egbona, he had earlier dispatched respected elders to intervene in the crisis and subsequently visited the affected communities personally in a bid to restore peace and prevent further violence.
He disclosed that assurances were given that hostilities would cease, making the latest outbreak even more shocking and disappointing.
“At the beginning of this crisis recently, I did not only send elder statesmen to appease the warriors, I had equally visited them personally, all in an effort to quench the fire and restore peace. I was given the assurance that there won’t be any more war. But it shocks me that fresh hostilities have erupted, leading to loss of lives and property,” he stated.
The lawmaker urged both communities to embrace peace and dialogue, stressing that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction.
He also called on traditional rulers in Ugep and Idomi to prevail on their subjects to lay down their arms and work towards reconciliation.
“I urge our royal fathers in the two communities to call their subjects to order. We cannot grow by destroying lives and property. This madness must stop now,” he said.
Egbona further appealed to the Cross River State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
He maintained that the continued cycle of bloodshed and reprisals serves no meaningful purpose and only deepens the suffering of innocent residents.
“Enough of this senseless blood-letting and carnage in our communities. Let there be peace in our land,” he added.
The renewed clash between the two communities has heightened concerns among residents and stakeholders, with renewed calls for lasting measures to address the underlying causes of the conflict and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
