The governments of Cross River and Benue States have called on their people to live in peace by eschewing rancour over land ownership.
The deputy governors, Peter Odey and Sam Ode of Cross River and Benue States, respectively, met on Wednesday over the recent boundary clash which left one man from Yache community dead and several properties and farms destroyed.
They led high-powered delegations from their states to Ijegu in Yache community in Yala Local Government, Cross River State, where they engaged in discussions for peace and forgiveness.
Odey emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to the law.
Expressing deep regret for the needless loss of life, he extended sympathies to those who lost loved ones and property. He also reassured the community of the government’s commitment to ending hostilities.
He was accompanied by key officials including the State Surveyor-General, State Security Advisers, Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, and Permanent Secretary, Exco Chamber and Conflict.
Odey, a native of Yache, conveyed his sadness that his inaugural visit to his kinsmen following his election victory was marked by mourning instead of celebration.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to the law.
He appealed for peace, pledging to return to the community to celebrate prosperity and not to mourn, while assuring that the bereaved family would receive government support. He invited the Clan Head and Chiefs of the affected communities to a meeting in his office to sign a peace accord. He advised community members to avoid the conflict zone until the peace accord is ratified, and promised approval of a security vote to cover for the deployment of additional personnel to the area
