Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council in Rivers State, King Suanu Baridam, has warned that violence will not resolve the lingering land dispute between the neighbouring Eleme and Okrika communities, urging all parties to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Baridam, who is also the Gbenemene of Ancient Bangha Kingdom, made the appeal in a statement issued in Port Harcourt through his media aide, Dr. Dormene Mbea, following renewed tension over the boundary dispute, which recently triggered violent clashes in parts of Eleme and Okrika local government areas.
The first-class traditional ruler described dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation as the only sustainable path to ending the conflict and restoring lasting peace between the two communities.
He urged residents of Eleme and Okrika to sheathe their swords and refrain from actions capable of destroying the longstanding peace and brotherly relationship that has existed between the neighbouring local government areas.
“I call on the good people of Eleme and Okrika to sheathe their swords and refrain from further acts capable of truncating the peace and brotherly relationship that has existed between our two sister local government areas,” Baridam said.
Expressing concern over the destruction of lives and property, the monarch stressed that violence would only deepen the crisis rather than provide a solution.
“The destruction of lives and properties is not, in any way, the solution to resolving disputes and misunderstandings. True, genuine and effective communication, reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation are the only pathways to achieving permanent peace,” he stated.
Baridam appealed to traditional rulers, the chairmen of Eleme and Okrika local government councils, members of the State and National Assemblies representing the two areas, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders to urgently convene a peace and security meeting aimed at finding an amicable resolution to the lingering land dispute.
He also called on security agencies to sustain efforts to maintain law and order in the affected communities while urging the Rivers State Boundary Commission to intervene immediately to facilitate a permanent settlement of the boundary issues.
“I appeal to the Rivers State Boundary Commission to urgently step in and ensure this matter is resolved once and for all, while security agencies should continue to maintain law and order to protect lives and property,” he said.
The monarch further advised property developers, investors and prospective land buyers to conduct all land transactions through legitimate authorities and recognised institutions, warning them against dealing with proxies or individuals without the legal authority to allocate or transfer land.
He urged all groups and individuals to remain law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their own hands, noting that Eleme and Okrika are neighbouring communities that should continue to live together in peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Baridam also called on leaders of both communities to resist external pressure from individuals seeking to exploit the dispute for personal gain.
“The leaders of both communities owe a duty to reject external pressure and influence from those who seek to benefit from their division while the rightful owners continue to fight among themselves,” he said.
The traditional ruler expressed confidence that sincere engagement, mutual understanding and collective commitment by all stakeholders would restore harmony and preserve the longstanding relationship between Eleme and Okrika.
