The Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly and Senator-elect, Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams has expressed displeasure over the communal clash between Ovonum and Ofatura communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, urging the warring communities to sheathe their swords.
Rt. Hon. Williams, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Hope Obeten, frowned on the incessant senseless killings and destruction of property on both sides of the divide by brothers and sisters who have lived in harmony from time immemorial.
According to him, the clashes, which have resulted in needless loss of lives and destruction of property, have continued unabated despite efforts by the traditional rulers and political leaders to stop the lingering crisis between the two communities.
”In the face of such clashes, it is the innocent vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the aged that feel the brunt of the carnage most, underscoring the need for effective dialogue. No matter the level of anger or provocation, resorting to violence is not the solution.” he said.
He, therefore called for a more robust conflict resolution mechanism, stressing the need to strengthen the traditional institutions, so that traditional rulers would be able to effectively intervene in communal crises before they escalate.
