Senator Eteng Calls for Peace in Ugep, Idomi Communities
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has appealed for calm and reconciliation between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Cross River State over lingering boundary disagreements.
In a message dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to both communities, the lawmaker expressed concern over renewed tensions, noting that Ugep and Idomi have coexisted peacefully for generations and share common ancestral ties.
He warned that continued conflict could undermine peace, development, and social harmony in the area, stressing that no land dispute is worth the loss of lives or destruction of property.
Senator Eteng urged all parties to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and forgiveness as the most sustainable path to lasting peace.
He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to take the lead in peacebuilding efforts, describing their role as crucial in restoring trust and stability.
The lawmaker further appealed to residents to support ongoing mediation efforts by the Cross River State Government and other relevant stakeholders working to resolve the dispute.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, he said it remains a top priority and expressed hope for lasting harmony across Ugep, Idomi, Yakurr and the wider Cross River State.
The intervention by Senator Eteng, who hails from Yakurr Local Government Area, aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government to ease tensions between the two communities and find a lasting solution to the recurring clashes over boundary issues.
Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area have experienced recurring tensions over land boundary disputes in recent years. These disputes have, at different times, disrupted social activities and raised concerns among stakeholders over the need for sustained dialogue and effective conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent further escalation.
