OCHON - ALESI CRISIS: SENATOR ETENG WILLIAMS CALLS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON OF SWEETNESS

As the Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, I have received with deep concern the renewed hostilities between the Ochon (Obubra LGA) and Alesi (Ikom LGA) communities. 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. The people of Ochon and Alesi have lived as brothers for generations, bound together by blood, culture, and trade. 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. I call on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly, ensuring that peace is restored, lives are protected, and justice is served.

Security responses must remain neutral, firm, and fair, but above all, they should prioritize 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.

I commend His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for his quick intervention and for reaffirming his government’s commitment to peace and the well-being of all Cross Riverians. I am confident that, under his leadership, this crisis will 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.

Signed:

Senator Eteng Jonah Williams

Senator, Cross River Central Senatorial District

23rd September, 2025

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