Boki Youths Clash Over Borum Palm Estate In C-River
BY ETTA MICHAEL BISONG, ABUJA – Tension continues to mount within communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State as angry youths battle for the control of the popular Borum Palm Estate in the area.
This unfortunate crisis, which began last year, has already claimed many innocent lives with property worth millions of Naira destroyed and most communities left traumatised.
Forefront reliably gathered that the crisis has become so serious that inhabitants of the surrounding communities of Okundi, Ntamante, Duala, Obubra-Bansan among others have fled the area as the youths of Oku and Borum daily engage themselves in what is considered by many described as ‘senseless bloodletting’ and ‘unnecessary power display’.
Reacting to the ugly incident, Chairman of Ochibe Boki, Major General Moses Obi (rtd) has appealed to all contending parties to exercise restraint and explore peaceful as well as acceptable mechanisms to address and resolve their grievances.
In a press statement titled; ‘Message of Peace and Love’ the retired General expressed displeasure over the “senseless anxiety that this unwarranted situation has created, particularly the compromise of the cherished peaceful co-existence and security of the people.”
General Obi, who said he feels pains over the unhealthy situation, further stated that; “I remain committed to contributing, in whatever way I can, in helping our government and our institutions, to help us.”
According to him, it is imperative for the people to come together, discuss and resolve their differences without carrying arms against each other, stressing that with prayers, the good people of Boki will overcome the turbulence and these evil times will soon get behind them for good.
Meanwhile, concerned Boki sons and daughters, both within and outside Nigeria, have joined their voices to express sadness over the crisis even as condemnation continues to trail the dastardly acts being perpetrated by the youths against the peace-loving people of Boki local government.
In his reaction, a human rights lawyer and civil activist, Dr. Joseph Odok has accused the Cross River State government of conspiracy and keeping silent over the ongoing communal conflict.
He noted that though the Ochibe Boki has been at the vanguard of proffering solution since the crisis erupted over one year ago, the government seems unwilling to take necessary measures aimed at ensuring peace return to the area for the overall good of the people.
Giving further insights to buttress his accusation of complicity, Odok said; “Some appointees of Governor Ayade have groomed boys that have snowballed into two groups to protect their interests in the estate. Proceeds of the palm estate have been used to buy guns and the boys have become so powerful that they now respect no chief or elder within the communities.”
Dr Odok, who posted on his Facebook page, decried the helplessness of Ochibe Boki under these circumstances to curb the matter.
The University don stated that chairman of the Boki umbrella body had openly appealed to the Governor to urgently intervene in the crisis by deploying security personnel to protect lives and properties in the feuding communities.
“I join my voice with that of Ochibe Boki to call the security apparatus in the state to step in to save lives,” he pleaded.
The human rights campaigner hinted that too many lives have already been lost and properties destroyed due to government’s failure to respond timely and address issues of security breaches.
“I make this passionate plea before we witness a total breakdown of law and order between Osokom people and Oku community,” he warned.
