News Editor
By David Odama
The Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC), Abuja, has called on the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful dialogue amid the ongoing land dispute between the two communities.
The group in a statement signed by the President of YPC, Group Captain Eloma Ekpo Ikona (Rtd), and the Secretary-General, Omini Oden, expressed deep concern over rising tensions and warned against outbreak of violence which they said would constitute a direct violation of the Ekori Peace Accord of 2017.
“The accord, brokered under the aegis of the Yakurr Peace Mission, remain a historic covenant binding all Yakurr communities to peaceful coexistence”.
YPC described the Ekori Accord as the guiding framework for sustaining unity, peace, and mutual respect across the local government area, stressing that any community that initiates violence risks both communal and institutional consequences.
“No grievance or territorial disagreement justifies bloodshed among brothers,” the group said.
To prevent further escalation, the YPC called for immediate de-escalation of tensions, an end to inflammatory rhetoric, restraint in youth mobilisation, and a return to lawful and traditional channels of dispute resolution.
The group emphasised that the progress and dignity of the Yakurr people can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, warning that history would hold accountable any leader or actor whose actions ignite avoidable conflict.
It noted that the Ekori Peace Accord was forged through sacrifice and must not be undermined by reckless actions, adding that Yakurr communities have moved beyond internal strife and must not relapse into violence.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the YPC urged all parties to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
“Peace is not weakness, it is the highest expression of responsible leadership. Yakurr must not fight Yakurr, not again, not now, not ever,” the statement added.
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