In a heartening display of communal harmony, the youths of Cross River and Ebonyi States jubilantly commemorated their 5-year truce, signaling a resolute commitment to peaceful coexistence in their shared border communities. The longstanding boundary dispute, fraught with historical grievances, has too often sown the seeds of conflict, resulting in loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at the celebratory event, Barrister Paschal Nwenyi, President of the Cross River-Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement, expressed profound elation. He articulated the collective aim to collaborate with community-based peace structures and key stakeholders, fostering an effective conflict early warning response system. This, he asserted, would not only fortify peace within the two states but also serve as a beacon for conflict prevention across Nigeria.
Nwenyi announced the forthcoming inauguration of a Community-Based Early Warning-Early Response System (CB-CEWERS), comprising members of the Cross River-Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM), by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Emphasizing the significance of this milestone, Nwenyi underscored the imperative of relinquishing the propensity for violence in land disputes. He urged for a shift towards peaceful dialogue and resolution, shunning the grim prospect of sacrificing lives for territorial claims.
Central to this concerted effort for peace, Nwenyi underscored the introduction of a systematic approach by the youth and stakeholders from both states. The inaugural ceremony, marking the cessation of hostilities and communal conflicts at the border areas of Ebonyi State, is poised to catalyze substantive negotiations, multi-stakeholder engagements, and consensus-building, fostering a convergence of interests towards a harmonious coexistence.
In extending commendations, Nwenyi lauded the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, for bolstering the aspirations of the Cross River and Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement. He also applauded the unwavering contributions of Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Chief Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, alongside their deputies and government functionaries, in upholding border peace. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, clergy, and all citizens of both states, particularly those from the conflict-affected areas, for upholding peace over the past five years.
The celebratory event was adorned with goodwill messages from stakeholders in both states, accompanied by a captivating performance by a cultural troupe. His Royal Highness Eze Oketa Sunday, the traditional ruler from Ebonyi State where the celebration unfolded, exuded joy over the resounding peace achieved between the two states.
