Tag Archives: Communal Conflict

Ten Killed In Cross River Communal Conflict.

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Ten youths were reportedly killed in renewed hostilities between Usumutong and Ediba communities both in Abi local government area of Cross River State at the weekend.

It was gathered both communities have been in conflict for years over ownership of a piece of land, often leading to loss of lives and property.

A resident of the area said yesterday, “On Friday, there was a burial at Usumutong. The Ediba people used the opportunity of the other people engaging in a burial to attack. The Ediba people knew that the Usumutong people because of the burial were unprepared for any attack.

“They are still quarrelling over a piece of land. They are saying that the last time there was a conflict, the Usumutong people inflicted so much casualties on them, so they were looking for an opportunity to strike back and did so on Friday. It was a revenge attack.

“The people of Usumutong who suffered the attack are planning a counterattack from what I am hearing because it is like tomorrow (Monday) is the market day of the Ediba people.

“It is actually is actually a sad situation because the two communities are brothers and sister. There is no difference between them and they are just killing themselves like that. It is just animalistic. In this age of civilisation, people are still doing such.”

State Security Adviser, Mr Jude Ngaji, security agents have been drafted to the area and normalcy restored for the meantime. He said they will keep their eyes open to ensure another outbreak of violence does not occur.

“The governor is very livid with this development because great efforts have been made to bring peace to the area. We had gotten respected leaders of both communities and plans were still on to ensure both communities co-exist peacefully. Then all of a sudden this happens.

“There will no longer be any Mr Nice Guy in dealing with this problem. The big stick still will be employed this time to check the problem. The present administration will ensure that though the problem has been age long, it will end once and for all. We will ensure that every perpetrator of this crisis will be brought to book,” he said.

11 Houses Burnt, 15 Injured In Cross River Communal Conflict

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At least 15 persons have reportedly sustained bullet wounds, while 11 residential buildings were burnt following an alleged invasion of Oyoba village in Wanikade by the people of a neighbouring community, Ihetazi in Wanihem, Ukele North in Yala local government area of Cross River State.

The invasion, which resulted from a boundary dispute, caused the displacement of over 130 persons including women and children.

A visit to the area revealed destruction of foodstuff including yams, rice, garri, economic trees and household property such as sewing machines, electronics, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.

Also destroyed were sources of water such as streams and wells, which were poisoned with chemicals, debris and rocks.

According to him, those who dared to challenge them were shot and wounded while the elderly, children and women were chased away from the village.

He said fifteen persons that sustained bullet wounds were being treated in various hospitals and clinics.

Chief Okoko described the attack as senseless and barbaric, stating that the invaders have lived for ages as brothers and have inter-married.

He said their action was capable of destroying the cordiality between the two communities.

A youth leader, Mr. Mathias Egede described the invasion as an act of war and that the security agents should bring the culprits to book.

He stated that the destruction of homes, yam barns and seed silos in an agrarian community depicted an intention to annihilate the community.

Chief Christopher Okoko of Oyoba, whose property was also destroyed by the invaders narrated that their attackers came on Saturday, January 23 at about three o’clock in the afternoon, when most of the villagers were in the community market about a kilometre away and carried out the wanton destruction.

Credit: Nation