Cross River: Senator Williams Sues For Peaceful Resolution Of Ochon – Alesi Communal Clash
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has appealed to the warring communities of Alesi in Ikom local government area and Ochon in Obubra local government area to exercise restraint and allow reason to triumph over conflict.
Williams made the appeal Tuesday in a statement made available to DAYLIGHT REPORTERS in Calabar, the Cross River capital.
He explained that he received with deep concern the renewed hostilities between the people of Ochon in Obubra local government area and their neighbours in Alesi in Ikom loca government area.
“At this delicate moment, I appeal to all parties to embrace peace, exercise restraint, and allow reason to triumph over conflict.
“In the spirit of Governor Bassey Otu’s, ‘Season of Sweetness’, let us be reminded that true sweetness lies in harmony, forgiveness, and shared progress, not in violence,” he said.
Williams further recalled that the people of Ochon and Alesi have lived as brothers for generations, bound together by blood, culture, and trade, stressing that, “those bonds must be preserved, not broken.”
“Just a few weeks ago, my constituency office provided relief support to both communities and urged dialogue for lasting peace. It is therefore, heartbreaking to receive reports of fresh violence leading to the loss of innocent lives,” the Senator lamented .
He called on the federal government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the restoration of peace, protection of lives and property, and justice is served.
‘Security responses must remain neutral, firm, and fair, but above all, they should prioritise dialogue, reconciliation, and confidence-building. These are the pillars upon which a sustainable peace can be built.
“I equally urge traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders, women groups, and political actors to rise as true custodians of peace and join hands in healing the wounds of distrust. We must remember that conflict weakens our unity, disturbs development,” Williams stated.
He commended Governor Otu for his quick intervention and for reaffirming his government’s commitment to peace and the well-being of all Cross Riverians and expressed confidence that, “under his leadership, the crisis would be resolved in a way that reflects the enduring values of brotherhood, fairness, and collective progress.”
“Peace is the sweetest gift we can give ourselves and the generations to come. Let us, therefore, lay down the weapons of conflict and pick up the tools of dialogue, trust, and reconciliation. Note that, there can be no bad peace or better war.
“Together, we can make this Season of Sweetness a season of peace, unity, and shared prosperity,” Williams said.
