Governor Otu Vows Tough Action on Biakpan–Etono Communal Clashes

The Cross River State Government has expressed deep concern over the ongoing communal clashes between Biakpan and Etono 2, with Governor Bassey Otu describing the crisis as “embarrassing” for the state.

Speaking while hosting a delegation from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, led by Patriarch Bassey Imowo, Governor Otu said the government would no longer tolerate disagreements escalating into bloodshed.

He warned that the state may take over disputed lands to prevent further violence.

“Where there is controversy over lands, the government will only have to take over such lands. That will avert continual bloodshed,” Otu stated.

Otu lamented that the recurring violence is particularly troubling because Biakpan attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims annually, generating revenue for Cross River.

“These disputes give our state a bad reputation,” he said, adding that arrests have been made and those found guilty would face strict punishment.

The governor partly blamed the escalation on failures by certain officials who did not act quickly to de-escalate tensions.

“With eminent personalities in both communities, I’m surprised that such barbaric acts have persisted. But I am happy with the intervention of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu to bring the communities together,” he noted.

Otu vowed that his government would not stand by while violence continued, insisting that restoring peace was a priority.

Earlier, Patriarch Bassey Imowo praised Otu’s security interventions but lamented that violence had disrupted the group’s pilgrimage activities in Biakpan, which typically draw thousands of visitors.

“Regrettably, the recent violent attacks have posed serious threats and put on hold all our programmes in Biakpan and environs,” Imowo said, urging the governor to prioritize lasting peace.