By Frank Ulom
BIASE (CONVERSEER) – The Concerned People of Etono II Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State have called on Governor Bassey Otu to ensure that justice and fairness form the basis of ongoing peace efforts in the lingering crisis between Biakpan and Etono II.
In a statement signed by Prince Enene Eke on behalf of the group, and made available to Converseer on Thursday, the community appreciated the Governor’s commitment to restoring peace in the area but insisted that the true origins of the crisis must not be overlooked.
According to the statement, the crisis was allegedly triggered by Biakpan people who kidnapped seven persons from their farms, later releasing three non-indigenes of Etono II to the police while killing four Etono II indigenes. The group further alleged that Biakpan has since launched repeated attacks against Etono II with the intention of displacing them.
The statement also accused Biakpan of harbouring an expansionist ambition, which it claimed was tied to the establishment of a “New Jerusalem” for the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. This, the group argued, poses a grave threat not only to Etono II but also to peace and security in Biase as a whole.
While commending the Governor’s stance against bloodshed, the group expressed displeasure at what it described as the undue emphasis placed on the tourism and pilgrimage value of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Biakpan during recent press engagements.
“While we do not oppose religious tourism, it is totally unacceptable that such economic interests should be elevated above the safety, survival, and dignity of Etono II people,” the group stated, warning that government actions should not appear to prioritise tourism over citizens’ lives.
The community demanded equal protection under the law, prosecution of those behind the killings and attacks, and a resolution that secures their right to live peacefully on their ancestral land.
“We believe in the Governor’s sincerity and leadership, and we pledge our cooperation towards genuine peace efforts. But we strongly emphasise that there can be no lasting peace without justice,” the statement concluded.
Earlier, Governor Otu lamented the repeated bloodshed among the warring communities and warned that the government would no longer tolerate disputes degenerating into violence.
Otu, who was addressing a delegation from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star led by Patriarch Bassey Imowo, disclosed that where land remains the root of communal crises, such as in the case of Biakpan and Etono II, the state would not hesitate to step in and take over the disputed parcels to forestall further bloodletting.
According to the Governor, “The issues here are very serious. We have stepped into the Biakpan–Etono communal war. I believe we can settle this issue because we have made it clear to all restive communities that where there is controversy over lands, the government will only have to take over such lands. That will avert continual bloodshed.”
He said the persistent violence was particularly disturbing because Biakpan attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims from across the world annually, which also boosts tourism, a revenue earner for the state.
Meanwhile, Imowo, on behalf of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, said as a result of the conflict, his organisation has been unable to hold its pilgrimage activities in Biakpan, which attracts thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and researchers.
Imowo said, “Regrettably, the recent violent attacks and counterattacks on both communities have posed serious security threats and put on hold all our programmes in Biakpan and environs.
“It is indeed sad and worrisome because there cannot be any form of development that will be achieved amidst such a dangerous situation as the religious tourists scheduled to regularly pay homage to the birthplace of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu is adversely hampered; obviously, the State Government’s developmental efforts too, will slow down thereby reducing economic benefits to the people within that part of Cross River State.”
The delegation appealed to the Governor to prioritise the restoration of peace by permanently resolving the conflict between the two sister communities.
