Ex-Commissioner, Oden Ewa, Brokers Peace Between Warring C’River Communities
By Bassey BASSEY
Former Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations in Cross River, Mr Oden Ewa, has intensified efforts to broker peace between warring Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area following renewed communal hostilities.
Ewa, who is currently the Special Envoy of the state government on Climate Missions and APC senatorial candidate for Cross River Central, said he intervened in the crisis to prevent further escalation and restore peaceful coexistence between the neighbouring communities.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday, Ewa described the hostilities as unfortunate, saying they did not reflect the historical relationship between the two communities.
"The situation does not speak well of two brotherly communities. Following the crisis and the efforts by government to resolve it, I decided to move in and support the peace process," he said.
Ewa said he initially convened separate meetings with the political class and other critical stakeholders from Ugep and Idomi before bringing representatives of both communities together to discuss a lasting solution.
He said the stakeholders agreed that the buffer zone established by the state government should remain in place, while the court case instituted by Ugep community should be allowed to continue as an instrument for sustaining the ceasefire.
According to him, the stakeholders also agreed that the Obol Lopon of Ugep, who is the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng and Obol Lopon of Idomi, His Royal Highness Obol Ofem Inah Edet, should strengthen their relationship to ensure lasting peace.
Ewa disclosed that he had recently briefed both traditional rulers and secured their agreement to another crucial meeting as part of efforts to consolidate the reconciliation process.
He said his recent visit to Idomi was also intended to demonstrate that residents of Ugep could freely visit the neighbouring community without fear or intimidation.
"I visited Idomi to prove that an Ugep man can enter Idomi village. During the visit, our team was warmly received by the traditional institution and the youths," he said.
Ewa appealed to elders, political leaders, youths and women in both communities to support the peace initiative and avoid actions capable of reigniting hostilities.
He said the judicial inquiry earlier announced by the state government had been put on hold following the peace intervention, arguing that pursuing it at the moment could undermine ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The former commissioner, however, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his understanding and prompt response to the crisis, saying the government's intervention helped prevent what could have escalated into a full-scale communal war.
He also praised the deployment of military personnel and other security operatives to the affected communities, saying their presence had helped restore public confidence and create an atmosphere for dialogue.
Ewa commended the Obol Lopon of Ugep and the traditional ruler of Idomi for supporting the reconciliation efforts.
He particularly acknowledged the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr for convening a meeting of traditional rulers where a peace agreement was discussed.
He also praised Prof. John Inya and Hon. Nelson Offem, among other prominent sons of Idomi, for their contributions, while appreciating Chief Patrick Iwara, Dr Goddy Eta and Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, alongside other stakeholders from Ugep, for their cooperation.
Recall that Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr local government area have been involved in a protracted communal dispute over land and boundary issues, which has periodically heightened tensions and threatened peaceful coexistence.
The Cross River government had intervened in the dispute through peace meetings, security deployments and plans for boundary demarcation.
The crisis underscores the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation among traditional institutions, political leaders and residents to prevent further violence and promote development in the affected communities.
Ewa, who is also a former Chairman of the Cross River Green Economy Commission and a member of the state Council on Climate Change, urged both communities to embrace dialogue and prioritise peace over division.
