Peace Returns to Erei Communities After  5 Years of Communal Clash

By David Edadi 

After five years of intermittent communal clashes, peace has finally been restored among the 10 Erei communities in Cross River State.

 The Erei communities including Urugbam, Abanwan, Ibini, Ipene, Afono, Edu, Umolor, Egbor, Etana, and Obum, have been embroiled in a protracted conflict over land disputes and ancestral claims.

THE BEAGLE NEWS investigations revealed that the crisis, which began in December 2018, was triggered by a land dispute between Urugbam and Egbor over a palm fruit plantation. It was learnt that the conflict escalated into a full-blown war, resulting in the destruction of properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira, loss of lives, and the displacement of people.

But the efforts of some of the stakeholders paid off s some of the communities have been returning to their ancestral homes to being reconstruction and total reconciliation.

A source close to the community confided in our reporter that the tireless efforts of Mr. Philip Obin, a former Technical Assistant to the Vice President on new media and currently the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on digital economy, have laid the foundation for the restoration of peace to the warring communities.

Obin's intervention, it was gathered, led to the establishment of a Forward Operating Base in Urugbam, which effectively ended hostilities among the warring communities, leading to Urugbam community return from exile on May 16, 2024, marking five years since they were forced to flee their homes. The community expressed gratitude to God and Mr. Obin for his instrumental role in restoring peace.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Chief Ilem Ukam, commended the military for their presence and contribution to ensure that peace returns to Erei. According to him, “without the military we would not been able to be back home. So, we thank the federal government for their intervention.”

Ukam said despite the return of peace, the communities still face significant challenges, adding “There are no schools, churches, markets, or health facilities in Urugbam, Afono, and Edu communities, which were destroyed during the conflict. We appeal to the state and federal governments to provide infrastructure and basic amenities.

“To ensure lasting peace, the communities called for continued engagement with state and federal authorities to address their needs and prevent future conflicts. With peace finally restored, the Erei communities can now focus on rebuilding their lives and their communities.”

The Erei communities share borders with Amangu and Okon communities in Abia State and Uwanna and Ekoli communities in Ebonyi State.