Table of Contents
- Commitment to Peace
- Statement from Leaders
- Appeal to Government
- Historical Context
- Recent Violence
- Response from Etono II
Traditional leaders, elders, and youth representatives from the Biakpan community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, despite what they describe as ongoing provocations from their Etono II neighbors.
In a statement co-signed by Onun Dr. E. B. Enun, Onun Lawrence E. Ekpezu, Onun Obu Obu Enang, and Chief Godwin Ekpezu, the leaders emphasized that they will not be tempted to violate the peace agreement or the Supreme Court ruling that resolved the prolonged land dispute between the two communities.
During a media event, their spokesperson, His Royal Highness Onun Enang Obu, urged the Cross River State Government to enforce the terms of the peace agreement, which stipulates that any party found in violation should face penalties.
However, he expressed concern that the Biakpan people have endured killings, property destruction, and land violations under the pretense of seeking self-determination and land ownership.
“We appeal to His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, to uphold the decisions and declarations previously made by the state government to resolve this dispute permanently,” he stated.
“Biakpan seeks peace grounded in truth, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. We advocate for peace, law, and justice, but peace without justice is an illusion.”
HRH Enang also referenced rulings from the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, all of which he stated resolved the dispute in favor of Biakpan.
He urged that these rulings, along with the official stance of the state government, be honored and enforced.
The traditional leaders additionally called upon the state government, the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Department of State Services to ensure that all court judgments related to the conflict are enforced.
They accused the Etono II community, which is one of the six villages that comprise Biakpan, of aggressive actions dating back to the early 1980s, including arson, killings, and the destruction of public infrastructure.
The monarchs detailed a lengthy list of atrocities committed by their Etono neighbors since the 1980s.
According to them, the most recent violence on October 5, 2025, resulted in the burning of a multi-million-naira cathedral, along with religious and tourist sites, and estates that draw visitors to Biakpan. They demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for such violations.
“Enough is enough,” the statement concluded. “It is time for the Nigerian State to demonstrate that no one is above the law and no community is greater than the state. For too long, inaction has turned aggressors into victims and victims into the accused.”
In a prior statement signed by Prince Enene Eke on behalf of the Concerned People of Etono II, the community denied involvement in the burning of the cathedral in Biakpan or being the aggressors.
“Given the heavy security presence around the building, it is impossible for anyone from Etono II to have entered the area,” the group stated.
- What is the main concern of the Biakpan community?
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The Biakpan community is primarily concerned about ongoing provocations from the Etono II community and is seeking to uphold peace while addressing violations of their rights and properties.
- What actions have the traditional rulers requested from the government?
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The traditional rulers have requested the Cross River State Government to enforce the peace accord and ensure that all court judgments relating to the conflict are upheld and implemented.
- What recent event escalated tensions between Biakpan and Etono II?
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The latest escalation occurred on October 5, 2025, when a multi-million-naira cathedral and other properties were burned, further aggravating the existing tensions.
