Economic activities, including the movement of farm produce and travellers, are gradually returning to normal following the easing of the prolonged communal conflict between Biakpan and Etono II communities in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The two neighbouring communities have been locked in a bitter dispute since early last year over ownership of a parcel of land, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and the near total shutdown of commercial activities along the corridor.
Although the Supreme Court had several years ago ruled in favour of Biakpan, Etono II community members maintained that the judgment was secured through alleged influence and size advantage, a grievance that frequently degenerated into violent attacks.
The hostilities forced the suspension of major religious pilgrimages by members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, which usually attracted hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, tourists, researchers and foreign visitors to Biakpan.
Vehicular movement from Cross River through Biakpan to the South-East was also disrupted, depriving boatmen, farmers, traders and other artisans of their livelihoods.
Following sustained interventions by the state government, security agencies and traditional institutions, the crisis has largely abated, with confidence gradually returning to residents of both communities.
Chairman of Biase Local Government Area, Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi, confirmed that peace has returned, noting that both communities are committed to the terms of the peace pact and are unwilling to take actions capable of reigniting hostilities.
He said the restored calm has led to increased farming activities and the steady return of vehicular traffic, travellers and the movement of goods through the affected communities to the South-East and other major towns.
Boatmen operating at Okurike and Ugbem beaches expressed relief over the revival of their businesses, which had been grounded during the conflict.
The operators ferry vehicles and passengers across the river using pontoons and other boats.
One of them, Egwu Igri, a pontoon operator at Ugbem beach, said the growing number of passengers and vehicles waiting to cross the Ugbem River was a clear sign that normalcy was returning.
“We were badly affected because people stopped crossing the river.
“Some of us used to make up to N20,000 daily ferrying vehicles before the crisis.
“We are happy to be getting back to business gradually and pray that this peace will last,” he said.
Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, also expressed happiness that fears associated with travelling along the forest route from Ugbem beach to Biakpan had eased.
One of them, Ignatius Ben, said he bought a new motorcycle at the onset of the crisis but was unable to operate effectively due to insecurity, a setback he hopes to overcome with the return of peace.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, had earlier assured residents that the command was committed to enforcing the peace agreement and would decisively sanction any community found to be the first to violate it.
