The Cross River State House of Assembly has condemned the violent clashes between Boje and Isobendege communities in Boki Local Government Area of the state.
The House made this known after a motion was brought forward by Bette Obi, who represents Boki I State Constituency. In the session held in Calabar on Tuesday, the lawmakers discussed the recent conflict over a piece of land which, according to Obi, is designated as government reserve land and therefore not legally owned by either community.
Obi informed the House that the land dispute, which had lingered for some time, had escalated into serious violence. He noted that the conflict had already resulted in loss of lives, including the beheading of a man from Boje. He also warned that if quick steps are not taken, the crisis could grow into a much larger communal war.
According to a statement released by Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, the House passed a resolution calling for urgent intervention. Speaker Elvert Ayambem reacted strongly to the reports, calling the killings “barbaric and unacceptable.”
He noted that such acts of violence should not be allowed in any civilised society and insisted that disputes must be resolved through lawful means, not through bloodshed.
“This House will not tolerate the needless killing of innocent people,” Ayambem said during the session. “We demand immediate security deployment to restore order, protect lives and property, and send a strong message that violence has no place in our dear state.”
The Speaker also urged the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to send forces into the affected areas to prevent further violence.
He went further to request the arrest of local leaders from both Boje and Isobendege, including clan heads, youth, and women leaders who are believed to have had a hand in the unrest. He noted that holding these individuals accountable would help in discouraging future acts of violence and maintaining peace in the state.
