In a bid to quell escalating tensions between the Wanibolor clan of Cross River State and the Igede people of Benue State, Hon. Martins Achadu, the member representing the Yala 2 state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has stepped in to broker peace.
The dispute, which arose over a land ownership disagreement, saw 40 members of the Wanibolor clan being captured by the Igede people. According to reports, the conflict ensued when the Igede people from Benue State attempted to construct a building in the Wanibolor Clan territory, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. The Wanibolor youths, unarmed and seeking to protect their land, were unaware of the ambush laid out by the armed Igede people.
The Wanibolor Clan, predominantly an Igbo community, hails from the Wanihem ward in Cross River State, while the Igede people are from Benue State. The incident, which occurred yesterday, prompted immediate action from Hon. Martins Achadu, who delegated the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Timber Control, North, Hon. Asegem Emmanuel, to address the situation on his behalf.
Speaking on behalf of Hon. Achadu, Hon. Asegem Emmanuel emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the two communities, stressing that both the people of Benue State and Cross River State share familial ties and should foster love and understanding amongst each other.
Following the intervention of the honorable member, the 40 captured Wanibolor individuals were released unharmed. The resolution of the conflict underscores the importance of dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes and maintaining harmony among neighboring communities.
Achadu thanks the HOLGA of Yala local government council, The CRO Mr. Jacob Onawo, and the Okpoma police DPO for swiftly swinging into action by their physical presence at Uju, Benue State to make sure peace reigns between the two States.
