The renewed outbreak of violence between Alesi in Ikom and Obubra communities in Cross River Central is both tragic and troubling. Once again, lives have been lost, property destroyed, and a major federal highway turned into a theater of blood and fear. This must not be allowed to continue.
The reports of a young man from Obubra gruesomely murdered in Etara, and a truckload of cocoa set ablaze by suspected assailants, reveal the human and economic toll of the crisis. These are not isolated events. They reflect a deeper, long-festering rivalry that has consumed lives and opportunities over the years. Each new cycle of violence entrenches mistrust, displaces families, and weakens the fragile fabric of inter-community coexistence in Cross River.
The federal highway that links Obubra to Ikom is not just a road for the two warring communities. It is a lifeline for trade, agriculture, and daily movement across the state. When armed youths are allowed to mount illegal checkpoints, harass motorists, and dictate passage, it is not just a local problem—it is a direct assault on the economy and security of Cross River.
What is particularly disturbing is the slow response of the authorities. While community sources confirm multiple incidents, official silence persists. This silence emboldens aggressors, frightens victims into despair, and deepens the perception that human life is cheap in Nigeria. The government of Cross River State and the Police Command must act swiftly—not only to restore order, but to reassure citizens that justice and security are not negotiable.
But beyond immediate intervention lies the more difficult task: finding a lasting solution. Deploying security personnel may calm tempers temporarily, but it does not address the roots of the crisis. Issues of land, identity, and economic rivalry continue to fuel hostilities between Alesi, Obubra, Odonget, and Ofutop. These matters require structured dialogue facilitated by Civil Society, strong community leadership, and the political will to enforce peace agreements.
Cross River cannot afford to normalize communal wars. The bloodshed not only tarnishes the state’s image but also drives away investment, discourages tourism, and pushes young people deeper into cycles of violence and poverty. The recent cocoa truck incident is a sharp reminder that when conflicts escalate, livelihoods are the first casualty.
NEGROIDHAVEN therefore calls on Governor Bassey Otu, traditional rulers across the 18 LGAs, community leaders, and security agencies to urgently convene a peace forum to address the Alesi–Obubra crisis once and for all. Those found culpable in the killings and destruction must be prosecuted to serve as deterrence. Government must also strengthen intelligence networks in the affected axis to pre-empt attacks before they erupt. Also, government should collaborate with civil society organisations whose thematic area is conflict management/transformation and peace building to strengthen Early Warning and Early Response, EWER systems. Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, P4P as well as Peace for Development Initiative, PEACEDEV have been in the forefront of these in the state.
Peace is not a luxury. It is the foundation upon which progress is built. Cross River has too many challenges to be further weighed down by communal strife. The time to act decisively is now.
