By Ada Ogar
The Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC), Abuja, is calling on the Ugep and Idomi communities, in Yakurr Local Government Area to exercise maximum restraint and embrace peaceful dialogue over the lingering land dispute between the communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the President Grp. Capt. Eloma Ekpo Ikona Rtd and the secretary,Omini Oden, YPC expressed deep concern over reports of escalating tension and warned that any descent into violence would amount to a direct violation of the Ekori Peace Accord 2017 reached under the aeaigis of “The Yakurr Peace Mission”, the historic peace covenant entered into by all Yakurr communities.
The group said the historic accord, reached in Ekori, remains the definitive framework for preserving peace, unity and mutual respect among all communities in Yakurr Local Government Area.
They noted that the peace accord clearly stipulates that any Yakurr community that initiates violence stands in violation of a collective agreement and risks unified communal and institutional consequences. No grievance, no territorial disagreement, and no provocation is sufficient justification for bloodshed among brothers. YPC is calling for;
- Immediate de-escalation by all parties
- The cessation of inflammatory rhetoric
- Strict restraint of youth mobilization
- Recourse to lawful and traditional dispute resolution channels
YPC reminded all stakeholders that the progress and dignity of Yakurr people can only be sustained through peace. It further warned that history would judge harshly any leader or actor whose conduct triggers avoidable conflict.
The Ekori Peace Accord 2017 was born out of pain and sacrifice. It must not be dishonoured by recklessness. Yakurr has moved beyond internal conflict and there must be no return to those dark days.
They reaffirmed unwavering commitment to peace. We call on all parties to choose wisdom over provocation and dialogue over confrontation. Peace is not weakness; it is the highest expression of responsible leadership, with a firm collective declaration that Yakurr must not fight Yakurr. Not again. Not now. Not ever.
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