By Our Correspondent
Reports reaching CrossRiverWatch suggest that over 3,000 people have been displaced in the most recent communal clash in Cross River State involving communities in Busi, Obanliku local government area of northern Cross River.
Findings by CrossRiverWatch reveal that the internally displaced people (IDPs) are natives of Busi 4 and fled their community following an invasion by its neighbouring Busi 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 over a land dispute that respondents say has lasted for years despite court judgments favouring Busi 4, five times.
CrossRiverWatch also gathered that the attack which occurred last week has left the IDP’s helpless, exposed to harsh weather conditions and diseases, as sources say over 500 houses were burnt with properties worth about 800 million Naira destroyed as earlier reported by CrossRiverWatch.
Several respondents lamented that though no live was lost, their livelihood may be gone with Hajiya Aishatu Umaru describing the situation as “pathetic” and called for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities regretting that they cannot return to the village until safety is guaranteed.
However, relieve is not far away as the zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, Eze Major and his colleague in the State Emergency management Agency, John Inaku recently visiting the area assess the damage and send relief materials
Describing the war as a disaster, Major stressed the actions of the attackers was uncivilized and unwarranted and wondered why the issue could not be amicably resolved instead of resorting to wanton destruction of property with Inaku citing lack of patience to resolve issues amicably as the cause.