Cross River Cracks Down On Communal Violence, Threatens Sanctions Against Traditional Rulers

By JULIET EKANEM

Government Draws a Line After Deadly Communal Violence

THE Cross River State Government has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers and community leaders following renewed communal violence, declaring that recognised traditional institutions must accept greater responsibility for maintaining peace within their domains.

Governor Bassey Otu said the government could withdraw certificates of recognition from traditional rulers whose communities repeatedly descend into violence, signalling a tougher approach to communal conflicts across the state.

The warning came during the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, where concerns over recent violence between the Ugep and Idomi communities overshadowed what was expected to be a major celebration of culture, agriculture and communal identity.

The governor condemned the violence, which reportedly claimed lives, describing the crisis as unacceptable and incompatible with the ideals of peace and brotherhood that the Leboku Festival represents.

Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, Otu said the government had considered cancelling the 2026 edition of the festival because of the security situation.

However, the administration eventually decided to allow the event to proceed, arguing that the festival itself could serve as an opportunity to rebuild relationships and reinforce the values of unity among the people.

Traditional Institutions Face New Responsibility

The governor’s warning places traditional rulers at the centre of the government’s emerging strategy for preventing communal violence.

Traditional institutions remain influential in many rural communities, where monarchs and community leaders often possess local knowledge, cultural authority and access to grassroots intelligence that government agencies may not immediately possess.

Otu made it clear that the government expects recognised traditional rulers to use that influence to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

The threat to withdraw certificates of recognition also represents a significant political and administrative instrument. State recognition gives traditional rulers formal legitimacy within the structure of government, and its withdrawal could weaken the authority of any monarch who fails to maintain peace.

The government also addressed another traditional leadership dispute involving Agoi Ibami.

Otu said the state would not recognise competing factions or multiple claimants to traditional authority. Instead, the government would deal only with a single agreed traditional leader after the parties had reconciled their differences.

The position reflects the government’s concern that unresolved disputes over traditional leadership can create competing centres of authority and deepen political and communal tensions.

Leboku Festival Survives Security Concerns

Despite the violence, the government retained the Leboku International New Yam Festival.

The decision underscored the importance of the event to the Yakurr people and Cross River’s wider cultural identity.

Leboku has grown beyond a traditional harvest celebration into an international cultural event that attracts visitors from different parts of Nigeria and the diaspora.

Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Yibala Inyang, described the festival as a celebration of gratitude, unity and agricultural abundance.

He said the annual event also creates opportunities for tourism, commerce and broader economic development.

However, the recent communal crisis has highlighted the difficult relationship between culture and security.

A community cannot easily attract tourists and investors when violence threatens the safety of visitors and residents. Cultural festivals depend heavily on peace, hospitality and public confidence.

The state government appears determined to ensure that the violence does not define the Yakurr area or undermine the economic potential of its cultural assets.

Government Links Peace to Development

Beyond the security warning, Governor Otu announced a ₦50 million intervention for the renovation of the Ugep Peace Stadium.

The proposed renovation is expected to improve sporting and community activities in the area.

Community leaders also appealed for additional government intervention, including improved communication infrastructure and the expansion of broadcasting services to Yakurr.

The Obol Lopon Advisory Council said stronger infrastructure and access to information would support community development and help attract tourism and investment.

Tourism Commissioner Obi Offor also stressed the importance of peace to the government’s plans for developing Cross River’s tourism sector.

He said the state was working to improve tourist sites, including the Yakurr waterfall, while encouraging visitors to explore the area’s landscapes, cultural heritage, music, dance and other attractions.

The message emerging from the festival was clear: Cross River cannot build a successful tourism economy without stable communities.

The Challenge Beyond the Festival

The government’s threat against traditional rulers may strengthen pressure on community leaders to intervene early in disputes.

However, lasting peace will require more than sanctions.

Communal conflicts often emerge from deeper disagreements over land, boundaries, political representation, historical grievances and traditional authority.

The challenge for Cross River will therefore be to combine enforcement with mediation, intelligence gathering and sustained reconciliation.

For now, the state government has sent a clear message to communities and traditional institutions: peace is no longer merely a moral responsibility.

It is increasingly becoming a condition for continued official recognition and government partnership.