From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Yakurr Royal Traditional Embassy in Cross River State has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the warring communities of Ugep and Idomi to immediately end the renewed hostilities threatening peace and stability in the area.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar and signed by Chief Patrick Ufe (Ledu Opelli), Ambassador of the Yakurr Royal Traditional Embassy, the organization expressed deep concern over the lingering conflict between the two sister communities.
The Embassy said it was compelled to speak out following reports of violent clashes between Ugep and Idomi, stressing that the situation poses a serious threat to the unity and reputation of the Yakurr people.
“We are compelled to issue this press release following disturbing reports that our brother communities of Ugep and Idomi are engaged in violent clashes.
“We cannot stand by while actions that threaten our unity and reputation as a hospitable people push us into public discord,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Ugep and Idomi share a common ancestral heritage, language, traditions, culture, and history, noting that while disagreements among siblings are inevitable, they should never degenerate into violence or bloodshed.
The Embassy warned that continued hostilities could portray the Yakurr nation as incapable of peaceful coexistence despite its rich history of producing distinguished personalities in education, professional fields, and political leadership.
“By this act, we risk presenting ourselves as incapable of peaceful coexistence, despite our advancement in education and our record of producing great men and women in learning, professions, and political leadership,” it stated.
The organization recalled that the Yakurr Royal Traditional Embassy was established to promote unity among all Yakurr people and showcase their shared ancestry, heritage, and culture to the world.
“The Embassy was founded with membership drawn from across the Yakurr nation to project a united people bound by common ancestry, heritage, and culture.
We must not deviate from this noble objective that serves our collective interest,” the statement added.
The Embassy further appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, elders, religious leaders, women, youths, and other stakeholders to intervene urgently and restore peace in the affected communities.
“We call on our statesmen, royal fathers and mothers, community and political leaders, elites, elders, the clergy, women, and youths to intervene and restore calm in both communities and across the Yakurr nation.
Peace is essential for economic, political, and infrastructural development at this critical time.”
Emphasizing the need for dialogue, the Embassy maintained that lasting solutions can only be achieved through peaceful engagement and diplomacy.
“We will gain far more through dialogue and diplomacy, no matter our differences.”
It concluded by urging both communities to embrace peace and uphold the bonds of brotherhood that unite them.
“Let peace prevail. Let the love we profess for one another as children of the same parents, ancestry, and heritage continue to bind us.”
