Vandeikya, Obudu Communities Declare End to Hostilities, Reopen Markets, Schools, and Roads

Peace has finally returned to the once-troubled border communities of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State and Obudu LGA in Cross River State following a high-level peace meeting held on Tuesday, July 30, 2025. 

The meeting, convened by the Chairmen of both LGAs, formally declared an end to the hostilities between Mbazarem in Mbaduku, Vandeikya LGA, and Abonkib in Obudu.

The resolution restores normalcy in the area, allowing for the resumption of free interactions, reopening of markets, schools, and access roads previously affected by the violence. Security agencies have been directed to take firm action against any violators of the peace accord, including a shoot-on-sight directive for anyone found brandishing firearms with violent intent.

The peace meeting, jointly convened by Hon. Dennis Terkura Guda of Vandeikya and Hon. Peter Unidandeye of Obudu, was held in collaboration with the Councils of Traditional Rulers of the two LGAs led by HRH Ter Kunav, Chief Nyinongo Achiaku, and His Highness Utsu Ukandi Felix Okudare, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu.

During the session, five representatives each from the affected communities presented accounts of the events that led to the conflict. In an emotional gesture, the Obudu Chairman and Paramount Ruler tendered an unreserved apology to the people of Vandeikya over the killing of Agege Ternenger, a commercial driver murdered by Abonkib youths in Obudu Township on July 18. They condemned the attack, especially as it targeted individuals uninvolved in the original land dispute, and pledged to visit the bereaved family.

Chief Achiaku, Ter Kunav, strongly condemned the actions of youths on both sides. He accused Abonkib youths of escalating the bush conflict into the township, resulting in further bloodshed. He further claimed that cultists in Obudu exploited the situation and called for their arrest and prosecution.