By Amawu Cletus Albert Amawu.
OBUDU-VANDEIKYA CRISIS: STAKEHOLDERS SIGN PEACE ACCORD TO END LINGERING HOSTILITIES.
In a significant move towards ending the protracted inter-communal crisis between communities in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State and Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, key stakeholders from both areas have signed a peace accord, reaffirming their commitment to lasting peace and mutual coexistence.
The crisis, which has simmered over time and recently escalated into violent confrontations, has tragically claimed lives and led to the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, leaving many families displaced and communities deeply fractured.
To stem the tide of violence and rebuild trust, a high-level peace and reconciliation meeting was convened, bringing together the Chairman of Obudu LGA, Hon. (Amb) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, and his counterpart from Vandeikya LGA, Hon. Guda Terkura Dennis. Also in attendance were the Paramount Rulers from the affected areas, traditional leaders, and representatives of security agencies and civil society.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a formal peace pact, symbolising a collective resolve to put an end to the cycle of conflict and open a new chapter anchored on dialogue, reconciliation, and development.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Peter Undiandeye stated:
“Today marks a turning point in the history of our two local government areas. We cannot continue to allow avoidable conflicts to set our people back. This peace pact is not just a document, it is a moral and communal commitment to protect lives, respect borders, and rebuild brotherhood.”
His Vandeikya counterpart, Hon. Guda Terkura Dennis, described the agreement as “a bold and commendable step,” urging all stakeholders to demonstrate goodwill and ensure the resolutions reached are faithfully implemented.
“We owe it to our people, especially the younger generation to give peace a chance. Violence is not our heritage. Peace, understanding, and collaboration should define our relationship going forward,” Hon. Dennis remarked.
The Paramount Rulers present also lent their voices in support of the accord, calling for continuous engagement and community sensitisation as a means of preventing future conflict.
Security agencies at the event reiterated their readiness to support the peace process and warned against any acts capable of undermining the accord.
As part of follow-up measures, both councils have agreed to establish a Joint Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which will monitor compliance, mediate disputes, and work closely with communities to address lingering grievances.
The signing of the peace pact has been widely welcomed as a step in the right direction and a beacon of hope for the affected communities.
It is expected that this renewed commitment to peace will pave the way for healing, reconstruction, and the restoration of economic and social activities in the border communities of Obudu and Vandeikya.
