By Frank Ulom
BIASE (CONVERSEER) – The Etono II community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State has strongly rejected what it described as “false, misleading, and provocative” claims made by the Biakpan Traditional Rulers Council regarding the long-standing boundary dispute between both communities.
In a detailed statement dated 17th October 2025 and signed by Prince Enene Eke on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Etono II, the community accused Biakpan of deliberately distorting historical facts, violating peace agreements, and manipulating official records to advance territorial claims.
The rebuttal follows a publication issued by Biakpan leaders on 13th October 2025, which Etono II says was aimed at deceiving government authorities and justifying repeated acts of aggression.
Peace Accord Violated Within 24 Hours
According to the statement, both communities signed a peace agreement on 18th May 2025 in the presence of government officials, security agencies, and community representatives. However, the Etono II community alleged that Biakpan violated the agreement barely 24 hours later.
On 19th May 2025, Biakpan youths reportedly launched an unprovoked attack on Etono II, burning houses and injuring residents. Another invasion allegedly occurred on 28th July 2025, during which Biakpan forces were said to have destroyed farmlands and properties. The Etono II community claimed that Biakpan’s traditional war horn, carried into battle, was lost during the attack — which they say stands as physical evidence of the aggression.
Etono II also noted that neighbouring communities, including Ikun, Etono Central and Ukwa, intervened several times to broker peace, but Biakpan repeatedly chose “violence and deceit over dialogue.”
Etono II’s Historical Independence
The community maintained that it is an ancient and autonomous settlement with its own traditional institutions, language, and identity. It stressed that there is no historical, customary, or statutory record indicating that Etono II was ever subordinate to Biakpan.
Etono II pointed to British colonial archives, missionary records, and early administrative surveys as evidence of its independent status. The attempt by Biakpan to classify Etono II as one of its six villages was described as “an insult to history and an open mockery of the truth.”
Alleged Pattern of Aggression and Manipulation
The statement highlighted a series of violent attacks on Etono II by Biakpan in 1991, 1992, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2025. Each incident reportedly involved bloodshed, displacement, and destruction of property.
Etono II further alleged that Biakpan manipulated government survey records during the tenure of one of its sons as Surveyor General of Cross River State. It specifically referenced Survey Plan No. EAAC/446/LD, which it described as “illegally produced without Etono II’s consent.”
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The community called on the state government to launch an independent review of all survey and boundary records from that period to expose alleged falsifications.
Misrepresentation of Court Judgements
Etono II also accused Biakpan of misrepresenting past court judgements, including Suit No. C/6/73, CA/E/98/86 and SC.100/1990. According to the community, those cases involved individuals, not the Etono II community as a corporate entity, and focused only on a small portion of Robber Estate.
The community challenged the authenticity of a document attributed to the late Chief E.O. Ojah, which Biakpan has presented as evidence. Etono II described the document as either a personal opinion or a possible forgery, stating that no certified original exists in its records.
Administrative Recognition and Legal Status
Etono II reaffirmed its status as a fully recognised community with its own polling unit, schools, churches, and leadership structures. It said Biakpan’s references to selected government letters from 1996, 2007 and 2012 were misinterpretations of administrative directives, not proof of jurisdiction.
“No law, gazette, or executive order of Cross River State has ever placed Etono II under Biakpan jurisdiction,” the statement added.
Call for Inquiry and Justice
Etono II dismissed Biakpan’s allegations of atrocities as “grotesque fabrications,” noting that no police report, court judgement, or credible panel has ever substantiated such claims. Instead, it accused Biakpan of timing attacks to coincide with attempts to seize disputed farmlands.
The community called for an independent judicial panel to investigate all incidents of violence between 1991 and 2025, and demanded government intervention to review survey records, authenticate documents, and ensure security for its residents.
Final Position
Etono II reiterated that it remains committed to peace but will continue to defend its land, heritage, and identity against “deceit and aggression.” It emphasised that peace must be founded on truth and justice.
The community urged the Governor of Cross River State, the State Surveyor-General’s Office, the Police, DSS, and the National Boundary Commission to act swiftly to address the dispute and uphold the integrity of historical and legal records.
