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A humanitarian and peace advocate, Pastor Shedrach Oka, has called for the establishment of a Cross River State Peace Initiative (CRSPI) as a permanent structure to address recurring communal clashes in the state.
Oka, Director of Programmes at the Humanitarian and Peace Advocate Centre for Family Peace, made the proposal in an open letter to Governor Bassey Otu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
He said the initiative was necessary to provide a long-term and institutionalised approach to peacebuilding, rather than reliance on ad hoc responses to crises.
The letter was titled: “A Cry for Peace—An Urgent Call to End Incessant Communal Clashes and Foster Lasting Stability in Cross River State”.
Oka warned that recurring communal clashes over land and boundaries had become a serious threat to peace, security, and development in the state.
He recalled that Cross River, once regarded as a peaceful tourism destination, had witnessed repeated violent conflicts across several communities over the years.
He cited several incidents, including the Inyimagu/Agila crisis, the Adadama (Abi LGA) and Amagu (Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi) border conflict, the Nko and Onyadama clash, as well as disputes involving communities in Boki, Obudu, Yala, and other local government areas.
According to him, the conflicts have led to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and economic setbacks, especially in agriculture and rural development.
Oka estimated that thousands of lives have been lost since 1999, while many more residents have been displaced by repeated outbreaks of violence.
He also noted that insecurity in affected areas had contributed to declining agricultural output and loss of revenue for the state.
“Peace is the ultimate infrastructure upon which all other development rests,” he said, adding that sustained instability undermines investment, tourism, and economic growth.
To address the challenge, Oka proposed the creation of the CRSPI as a statutory body backed by legislation, rather than a temporary committee.
He suggested that the body be chaired by a retired Chief Judge, with the Deputy Governor serving as co-chair, alongside representatives of traditional rulers, security agencies, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.
Oka also recommended the establishment of similar peace structures across all 18 local government areas to prevent conflicts from escalating.
He urged the governor to forward the proposal to the state House of Assembly as an Executive Bill to ensure legal backing and sustained funding.
While commending the administration’s “People First” agenda, Oka said the initiative would help strengthen peacebuilding efforts and support long-term development in the state. (NAN)
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Tags: Peace Advocate