By Ushang Ewa
Odukpani: Hostilities between the host community and New Netim in Odukpani local government area of southern Cross River State has left at least 1 dead and over a dozen homes, cars and other properties razed and vandalized sources say.
Findings by CrossRiverWatch reveal that the host community invaded the Netim clan between Sunday night and Monday morning for reasons unknown as at press time with reports that the Mobile Police (MOPOL) took about 4 hours to arrive the scene after been contacted.
A highly placed government source told CrossRiverWatch that the the driving distance to the scene of hostilities is 10 minutes and the response from the MOPOL should have been faster.
Unconfirmed information also suggests that the invasion was the handwork of a criminal element who is well known to the government.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Itohan confirmed the invasion to this reporter on phone but was silent on the casualty figure.
“Yes it (invasion) happened but our men have been drafted there now and the situation is calm” she said.
On the destruction trail she said that about “4 houses were burnt and a car belonging to a corper was also burnt among others, but the corper is in safe hands now.”
A source also informed CrossRiverWatch that the home of the Chief Security Officer of the Federal Housing Estate in Akpabuyo Mr. Ibi, and the home of the father to Governor Ayade’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Ita were among those razed. However, efforts to reach Ibi and Ita failed as calls to their lines did not connect.