One Feared Dead As Mkpani And Nko Ignite Fresh Communal War

By CrossRiverWatch admin

CrossRiverWatch can authoritatively report that a fresh communal war has erupted between the people of Mkpani and Nko both in Yakurr Local Government of Central Cross River State.

The fight which is said to have erupted about 5am this morning has already claimed the life of an Ugep man and this is said to have irked and activated the war mood even among the Ugep people.

The Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja Federal Highway was also blocked by irate youths bearing dangerous weapons and wielding locally made guns.

Our source in Yakurr who is in the midst of the crises just told CrossRiverWatch that the “Nko people are accusing the Mkpani people of joining the Onyadama people in their war with the Inyima people which just ended.

“They say that two of the people who were killed among the Onyadama casualties are from Mkpani and the Nko people consider it a declaration of war on them considering their ties with Inyima. That is simply what is causing this disturbance.”

But the State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has told CrossRiverWatch that government is aware of the fresh crises and he has personally directed relevant security agencies to move in and ensure the violence does not escalate. He assured Cross Riverians that the situation is under control and that government was working round the clock to bring permanent solution to the lingering crises.

The State Security Adviser, Mr. Jude Ngaji also told CrossRiverWatch that: “The crisis started about 5am this morning between the Mkpani and Nko people. It was almost getting out of hand when an Ugep man was killed and the Ugep people were getting ready to join the fray but the Police, Navy and the Army have all moved into the communities and the situation is presently under control. The Obol Lopon of Ugep and the Obol Lopon of Mkpani and other chiefs have been doing a lot on the ground to calm the situation and we are in touch since morning.

“The blocked highway has been cleared and security people are on the ground. Usually when these crises begin, they go into the bush and turn some flash points in the bushes to battle grounds. The soldiers know those flash points and they are moving into the bushes to take their position and ensure that the crises do not escalate. Efforts are also been made to send more reinforcement to location to make sure the situation does not degenerate.”