From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
A renewed communal crisis between Boje and Isobendegehe communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has resulted in widespread destruction, loss of lives, and heightened tensions, raising concerns over the long-standing land dispute that has plagued the area for years.
The clashes, which have sparked outrage and condemnation across the state, have left both communities reeling in grief and fear. While the actual number of casualties remains unclear, reports suggest the violence claimed several lives, including the beheading of a man from Boje, with properties worth millions destroyed.
Boje, the headquarters of Boki LGA, is a mountainous community, while its neighbour, Isobendegehe, sits on a tableland. Known for their agricultural prowess—particularly in cocoa production—the two communities have for decades coexisted amid fragile peace, often threatened by disputes over land ownership.
Speaking on the floor of the Cross River State House of Assembly, the member representing Boki I State Constituency, Hon. Bette Philip Obi, raised a motion of urgent public importance, warning that the conflict had escalated beyond control.
He said, “The land in question is officially designated as a government reserve land and, therefore, cannot be legally claimed by either community. The conflict has led to several casualties, including the beheading of a man from Boje. If immediate action is not taken, the violence could spiral into a full-scale communal war.”
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
“No community disagreement should ever result in bloodshed. This House will not tolerate the needless killing of innocent people,” he declared.
The Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Beatrice Etta Nyiam, also denounced the violence, expressing disappointment at the failure of recent peacebuilding efforts facilitated by the council.
“This latest outbreak of violence is both regrettable and unacceptable, especially in light of the concerted and sustained efforts by the Boki Local Government Council to foster peace between the two neighbouring communities,” she said.
Nyiam noted that peace initiatives included several high-level meetings with the state security adviser, dialogue with security agencies, the signing of a peace accord, and a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the palace of the paramount ruler of Boki in Olum.
She warned that those found to have incited or participated in the violence would face prosecution. “Lawlessness has no place in Boki,” she added.
In the same vein, the Cross River State Government condemned the outbreak of hostilities, describing the development as unfortunate and a setback to ongoing peace efforts.
Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, said the incident occurred just days before the state was due to receive a formal report on the land dispute.
“This unfortunate resurgence of violent communal clashes between these two brothers is coming on the heels of deep-spirited efforts to nip in the bud this dispute over a piece of farmland,” Ekpang stated.
According to him, Governor Bassey Edet Otu was deeply saddened by the escalation of violence, especially given the role played by various government agencies and traditional leaders in attempting to mediate the conflict.
He said consultations had been held with the office of the senior state security adviser, the commissioner of police, the state surveyor general, and leaders from both communities. Findings from these meetings were scheduled to be submitted on June 26, 2025, before the conflict reignited.
The state government has now directed all parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table for peaceful resolution.
As calm remains elusive in Boki, observers say the recurring clashes serve as a stark reminder of the urgency for durable peace mechanisms. Many have called on government agencies, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to intensify efforts at promoting dialogue, understanding, and justice to prevent further bloodshed.
For residents of Boje and Isobendegehe, the path forward remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: without meaningful reconciliation and a lasting solution to the land dispute, the cycle of violence may yet continue.
