CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – The renewed communal violence between Boje and Eso-Bendeghe communities in Boki LGA poses grave threats to lives, peace, and development across Cross River Central, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams has warned.
Senator Williams, in a statement via his official social media handle, said the loss of lives and injuries from the clash stemmed from a long-standing land dispute that must no longer be allowed to fester.
“No land is worth the life of any individual,” the lawmaker said, emphasizing that the future of children and the entire community is at stake if peace is not urgently restored.
He condemned the cycle of violence, describing it as “needless conflict” and urged all parties involved to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, empathy, and reconciliation.
“Violence cannot and will never be the answer,” Senator Williams noted, adding that continued hostilities would only deepen suffering and destroy the region’s socio-economic foundations.
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He urged elders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders to act as peacemakers and take immediate steps toward restoring calm and rebuilding trust.
According to the senator, development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, bloodshed, and retaliation. He pledged his support for every genuine peacebuilding initiative.
“We must reflect on the kind of legacy we want to leave one of destruction or one of unity,” he said, calling on both communities to choose peace over pride.
Security forces remain on alert in the area as authorities race to prevent further escalation. Stakeholders warn that failure to resolve the crisis may trigger wider instability in Cross River’s fragile rural belt.