CP preaches against illegal arms, urges peaceful co-existence

CROSS River Commissioner of Police, Nkerewem Akpan, has warned youths in the warring communities of Boki council area of the state against the deployment of illegal arms.

Speaking during a meeting to foster peace among the combatants of Boje, Isobendeghe and Nsadop, he recalled that the crisis, which began on November 2,2019, had claimed several lives and properties worth millions of naira besides the displacement of others. The police chief stated that the law would not spare any youth in possession of illegal arms, urging the chiefs and relevant stakeholders to rein in their children and wards in the interest of peace.

He said: “As traditional rulers and stakeholders, I enjoin you to call your subjects to order, preach peace to them and make them see the need to be law-abiding.

“For progress and development to thrive in this area, the people must show love and embrace peace.

“I am happy that all the traditional leaders and stakeholders from the warring communities are here and I believe that after this meeting, lasting peace will reign in the affected areas.”

Reacting, the paramount ruler of Boki, Fredaline Akando, suggested that the parcel of land in contention should be taken over by the state government.

“For peace to reign in the area, I want the government to take over the land and do whatsoever they wish to do with it,” the monarch appealed.

Also speaking, the clan head of Nsadop community, Bernard Nchitu, commended the police commissioner for convening the peace meeting, promising to relay the advocacy to his people.

“As we proceed from this meeting, I am going back to my people with the message of peace and the need for them to drop all arms,” he stated.

On his part, the clan head of Boje community, Leonard Akan, corroborated the traditional ruler, urging the Governor Ben Ayade administration to confiscate the contentious piece of land, adding that there lies the permanent solution to the current bloodbath.