By Christian Njoku

The people of Bahumonu in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River, have reiterated their resolve to eschew violence in resolving conflicts in their communities.

The people made the remark while celebrating the fifth Anniversary of Bahumonu Peace Day on Monday in Otumosa, the ancestral home of the Bahumonu tribe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bahumonu in Abi Local Government Area consists of nine autonomous communities out of which four were involved in a communal war that started from 2005 and ended in 2020.

Speaking to NAN during the celebration, Dr Solomon Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi, said he was excited to be part of the anniversary, adding that they were all victims in the war that lasted for 15 years.

According to Edward who doubles as the Chairman, Cross River Traditional Rulers Council, “I was a victim of the war.”

“I lost my house and vehicles, but I thank God that today I am being restored, we will never subscribe to war again.”

He said that although they still had unresolved issues bordering on the return of Ebijakara and the resolution of the boundary issue between Ediba and Usumutong, they were still meeting to resolve the issues.

“The elders are still meeting but it is not easy, that is why we call on the government to help us, especially in the implementation of the white paper by the Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Peace Committee of 2021,” he said.

On his part, Dr Ernest Eteng, Chairman, Bahumono Peace and Development Union, encouraged the people to embrace unity and peace.

He appealed to them not to dwell on the things that divided them but to recognise one another’s strengths.

Eteng, however, proposed a celebration of the New Yam Festival and the construction of a Unity Hall which would be a joint Bahumono Project and serve as a manifestation of their commitment to unity.

Similarly, Mr Collins Bassey, Community Relations Officer to Gov. Bassey Otu for Abi LGA, commended the people for sustaining peace in the last five years.

He added that he would take the report to the governor to attract developmental projects to the areas.

On his part, Mr Ernest Abam, Central Youth Leader of the Bahumonu Nation, said the youths of the nine communities had resolved never to take up arms but to sit on a round table to settle their differences amicably.

“However, I appeal to the state government to fulfil its promises to the youths of Bahumonu which will help us get busy with profitable ventures, prevent idleness and eschew crimes,” Abam maintained.

CBN/ESI/JEO

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Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Jane-Frances Oraka