Senator Eteng Williams Urges Dialogue, Reconciliation in Ochon–Alesi Conflict
By Ebi COLLINS
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep concern over the renewed hostilities between the Ochon community in Obubra Local Government Area and the Alesi community in Ikom Local Government Area, calling for restraint, dialogue, and lasting peace.
In a statement on Tuesday, Senator Williams appealed to all parties to embrace peace and allow reason to triumph over conflict, stressing that true progress can only be achieved through harmony, forgiveness, and unity.
“The people of Ochon and Alesi have lived as brothers for generations, bound together by blood, culture, and trade. Those bonds must be preserved, not broken,” the Senator noted.
He described as heartbreaking the reports of fresh violence that have claimed innocent lives, despite earlier interventions. Just weeks ago, his constituency office had provided relief support to both communities and urged dialogue as a pathway to sustainable peace.
Senator Williams called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly in restoring calm, protecting lives, and ensuring justice, while emphasizing that responses must remain neutral, firm, and fair. “Security measures should prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and confidence-building—these are the pillars upon which a sustainable peace can be built,” he stated.
The Senator also urged traditional rulers, elders, youth leaders, women’s groups, and political stakeholders to rise as custodians of peace and work together in mending the wounds of distrust, warning that conflict only weakens unity and hampers development.
While commending Governor Bassey Otu for his quick intervention and reaffirmed commitment to peace and the well-being of all Cross Riverians, Senator Williams expressed confidence that the crisis will be resolved under his leadership in a manner that reflects brotherhood, fairness, and collective progress.
“Peace is the sweetest gift we can give ourselves and the generations to come. Let us lay down the weapons of conflict and pick up the tools of dialogue, trust, and reconciliation. There can be no bad peace or better war,” Senator Williams declared.
He further urged the people to make the Governor’s “Season of Sweetness” a season of peace, unity, and shared prosperity.
