By Abasi Ita
A socio cultural group established to promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the Yakurr people has condemned the rising tension between the people of Idomi and Ugep over a boundary dispute.
The group, known as the Yakurr Peoples Club, Abuja Branch, also appealed to residents of the two communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State to remain calm and embrace peaceful dialogue over the lingering land dispute.
In a press release dated May 1, 2026, jointly signed by the President of the group, Group Captain Eloma Ekpo Ikona (Rtd), and the Secretary General, Omini Oden, the organisation expressed concern over reports of growing tension in the area and warned against any action capable of triggering violence.
The organisation stated that any descent into conflict would amount to a direct violation of the Ekori Peace Accord of 2017 reached under the aegis of the Yakurr Peace Mission, describing the accord as “a historic covenant entered into by all Yakurr communities to preserve peace, unity and mutual respect.”
According to the group, “the peace accord remains the definitive framework for sustaining harmonious coexistence among communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.”
The club noted that the agreement clearly stipulates that any Yakurr community that initiates violence would be deemed to have violated a collective pact and could face communal and institutional consequences.
“No grievance, no territorial disagreement and no provocation should justify bloodshed among people of the same ethnic stock,” the statement said.
The Yakurr Peoples Club called for immediate de escalation of tensions by all parties, cessation of inflammatory statements, strict restraint of youth mobilisation and recourse to lawful and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
The group further reminded stakeholders that “the progress and dignity of Yakurr people can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace,” warning that history would judge harshly any leader or actor whose conduct leads to avoidable conflict.
It added that the Ekori Peace Accord was “born out of painful experiences and sacrifices” and should not be dishonoured through reckless actions.
According to the organisation, “Yakurr has moved beyond the era of internal conflicts and must not return to such dark days.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the club urged all parties involved in the dispute to embrace “wisdom, dialogue and responsible leadership instead of provocation and confrontation.”
The group declared that “peace is not weakness but the highest expression of responsible leadership,” insisting that “Yakurr must not fight Yakurr again.”