C'River: Alesi & Ochon Communal Clash: Efforts Made So Far In Restoring Peace

 

By Ubi Isreal Omori

Recently, there was a vicious communal clash between Alesi community in ikom local government area and their neighbours, Ochon community in Obubra local government area where eight persons were feared dead and properties destroyed. This unfortunate event occurred on March 7, 2022, broke out as a result of land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

In consequence to the above, concerted efforts has been made by the State government, which saw the Deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu who went to the communities to see for himself the level of carnage and casualties orchestrated by the war. He however sued for peace and unity between the warring communities and pleaded with the leaders to resolve and forestall any future event of such nature, he also noted that it's not at this critical time they both communities should allow land dispute claim human lives that Worth more than anything else.

Furthermore, the illustrious and exemplary chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State branch (NYCN-CRS), Comrade Dan Obo Jnr, in his frantic effort to install peace and order between the warring communities in Obubra and ikom local government area respectively met with the traditional rulers, youths, stakeholders and women of Ochon and Alesi communities to chart the way forward.

The first phase of the visit took place at Ochon in Obubra where the Council chairman met with the elders, youths and women, while the second phase was at Alesi community in ikom with the youths.

The village Head of Ochon in his welcome remarks appreciated and lauded Dan Obo Jnr for firstly thinking of humanity irrespective of the fact that his community was not affected by the recent attacks.

Accordingly, the village Head eulogised the gesture exhibited by Dan Obo Jnr, for his selflessness and capacity to achieve so much as a Youth chairman thus making Obubra LGA proud.

In a separate meeting with both communities, Dan Obo Jnr clearly made it known to the people of Ochon and Alesi that he's not here to apportion blames or fault anyone but rather sue for long lasting peace and unity.

According to his words, without peace none of the communities can sleep with their eyes closed or even think of going to their farmlands without fear of being attacked or ambushed and such terrible resultant effect maybe hunger, poverty and low productivity in farming given the fact that planting season is here.

In his address to the women, he (Dan Obo Jnr) assured them of absolute peace and they should lay out their arms and embrace each other, while urging mothers and fathers to caution and discourage their children from inciting further crises or indulging in incessant killings and destruction of properties in the name of fighting war.

During the inspection of the affected areas by the attack in Ochon, Dan Obo Jnr seriously frowned at the level of damage meted as a result of the crises while calling on responsible government agencies , NEMA and SEMA to come to the aid of the people.

In separate reactions, the youth leaders of both communities agreed for peace to prevail as the state government is fast-tracking the peace talks inorder to enable people return to their normal businesses and endeavors without fear.

The visit took place over the weekend and had in the entourage of Dan Obo Jnr, the youth leaders across the three senatorial districts and members of the youth parliament, etc.