Calabar: The Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC), Abuja, has urged Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue over their lingering land dispute. Retired Group Capt. Eloma Ikona made the appeal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria NAN on Saturday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Ugep and Idomi boundary crisis has been ongoing for decades, typically resurfacing during the planting season. Ikona expressed concern over the recent rising tensions between both communities, warning that any violence would violate the Ekori Peace Accord of 2017. This accord was agreed upon by all Yakurr communities as a framework for sustained peace, unity, and mutual respect.
Ikona highlighted that any community initiating violence risks breaching a collective agreement and facing communal and institutional consequences. He stressed that no grievance or territorial disagreement justifies bloodshed among Yakurr people, urging immediate de-escalation, cessation of inflammatory rhetoric, and restraint in youth mobilization. He emphasized the importance of adopting lawful and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms to address the differences.
The YPC leader warned that the progress and dignity of Yakurr people could only be sustained through peaceful coexistence. He noted that history would judge harshly leaders or actors whose actions trigger avoidable conflicts. Ikona reaffirmed that the Ekori Peace Accord was achieved through sacrifice and must not be undermined.
In his final remarks, Ikona reiterated the group’s commitment to peace, urging all parties to choose dialogue over confrontation. He insisted that Yakurr communities must not return to past conflicts, emphasizing that unity remains paramount.