Leaders of the Ebijakara community in Abi Local Government Area have appealed to the Cross River State Government to provide adequate security to enable their people return to their ancestral homeland after more than two decades of displacement caused by communal conflict NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The community leaders made the appeal during a discussion on Pulse of Unity, a radio programme aired on FAD 93.1 FM, where they spoke on the need for government intervention to ensure a peaceful and safe resettlement process.
Speaking during the programme, a community leader, Samuel Ogbodum, said the people of Ebijakara had been displaced for over 20 years following a conflict that affected several communities within the Bahamono area.
He noted that although peace initiatives, dialogue and mediation efforts had helped restore relative calm in recent years, the displaced community members still required security support to return safely to their ancestral land.
According to him, the community had formally notified the state government of its intention to return home on April 15, 2026, while requesting adequate protection to guarantee a peaceful resettlement.
“We have written to the government and security agencies to inform them of our intention to return to our ancestral home. What we are asking for now is adequate security presence to give our people the confidence to move back peacefully,” he said.
Another community representative, Ita Ben Itu, also stressed the need for government involvement in the final stage of the peace process.
He explained that while traditional leaders and peace groups had made efforts to mediate between communities over the years, the situation had reached a stage where stronger government intervention was necessary to ensure lasting peace.
“It has reached the point where government must step in fully. Traditional leaders and peace groups have tried their best, but what remains now is for government to provide the necessary support for resettlement,” he said.
The community leaders also highlighted longstanding grievances linked to land ownership and access to farmlands as one of the root causes of the conflict.
They noted that previous attempts by successive administrations to resolve the crisis had not been fully implemented, leaving the resettlement process incomplete.
They, however, expressed optimism that the current administration under Bassey Edet Otu would facilitate the peaceful return of displaced community members.
The radio programme, hosted by peace advocates Ukorebi Esien and Efio-Ita Nyok, focused on issues of conflict resolution, peacebuilding and reconciliation across communities in the state.
The hosts emphasised the importance of dialogue, mediation and inclusive engagement in preventing renewed violence and ensuring sustainable peace in affected communities.
