Communal crisis: Sen. Jarigbe calls for peace in Obudu, Tsar

Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe has called for the restoration of peace in Obudu council area of Cross River, following the gruesome murder of a native of Benue over communal clash.

Agom-Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the Senate, made the remark in a statement he issued in Calabar on Wednesday, while condemning the communal clash between Obudu and Tsar community of Benue.

The newsmen recalls that communal clash erupted on Friday between Abonkidi community of Obudu in Cross Rivers and Tsar Mbaduku of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue.

The clash led to the killing of a driver, identified as Tarnenge and from Gboko in Benue, by the irate mobs of Obudu.

The deceased was reported to have been going about his business when he was ambushed and stoned to death on a highway.

Agom-Jarigbe, also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, urged security agencies to take immediate decisive action to restore peace in the areas.

According to him, this senseless act of violence is not only barbaric but also completely unacceptable.

‘’The victim was an unarmed civilian going about his lawful business and had no connection to the on-going communal tension.

“His murder is a tragic and unjustifiable crime that must be met with the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Agom-Jarigbe demanded that the perpetrators of the crime be apprehended and made to face the full consequences of the law.

The Senator also called for the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas to prevent further escalation and protect innocent lives.

He tasked the community leaders from both Tsar and Obudu to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue for lasting peace.

According to him, this communal clash must not extend beyond the disputed areas.

“Our people in Cross River North and Benue State have lived together for generations—intermarrying, trading, and coexisting peacefully.

“We must not allow the actions of a few criminals to destroy this longstanding harmony and put our people at risk.

“I urge all residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies restore order. Retaliatory attacks will only worsen the situation and must be avoided at all costs,” Agom-Jarigbe said.