Traditional rulers and community leaders of Biakpan in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, have reiterated their commitment to peace amid what they described as continued provocations and attacks from their Etono II neighbours. The leaders, in a statement jointly signed by Onun Dr. E. B. Enun, Onun Lawrence E. Ekpezu, Onun Obu Obu Enang, and Chief Godwin Ekpezu, maintained that Biakpan people would not retaliate or breach the Supreme Court judgment that settled their long-standing land dispute.
Speaking to the media, their spokesperson, His Royal Highness Onun Enang Obu, urged the Cross River State Government to enforce the terms of the peace accord, emphasizing that those violating the agreement should face sanctions. He lamented that Biakpan had suffered numerous attacks, killings, and property destruction despite multiple court rulings affirming their land rights. “We appeal to the Governor of Cross River State to implement all government decisions to end this crisis once and for all. Biakpan stands for peace, justice, and the rule of law,” he stated.
The monarch recalled that the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court had all ruled in favour of Biakpan, and called for full enforcement of these judgments. He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Attorney-General of the Federation, and the National Human Rights Commission to ensure compliance with the law and protect lives and property in the area.
The leaders accused the Etono II community of continuous aggression dating back to the 1980s, including arson, killings, and destruction of public infrastructure. They alleged that the latest violence, which occurred on October 5, 2025, led to the burning of a multi-million-naira cathedral and other religious and tourist sites in Biakpan. The leaders demanded that those behind the attacks be arrested and prosecuted.
In response, the Concerned People of Etono II, through Prince Enene Eke, denied involvement in the burning of the cathedral, insisting that it was impossible for their members to access the area due to heavy security presence. They dismissed Biakpan’s accusations as false and aimed at tarnishing their image.
