By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Despite the assurance of peace and the deployment of troops to make the state truly the “Peoples Paradise”, especially in warring communities by the state government, the frequent communal crisis between Alesi, Ekukunela and Agbaragba communities in Ikom and Ochon, Isabang and Odonget communities in Obubra LGAs, respectively have gone unabated.
The communities who have engaged each other in age-long wars over a parcel of land have rejuvenated it again, even though the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt. Honorable Peter Odey, recently announced measures, including the deployment of security operatives and the takeover of the disputed land by the state government. The pronouncement, locals argued, has not resolved the communal dispute in its entirety, as they call for justice.
Finding by CrossRiverWatch reveals that some unidentified individuals have grouped and armed themselves, moving into the farms to steal cocoa, yams, oil palm and other crops belonging to members of the warring communities.
Although widespread killings have lessened due to government intervention, the age-long conflict has claimed several lives, property, escalated tension and disturbed peace in Cross River central in the past weeks.
Residents in Ochon and Ofutop villages worry that the deployed security operatives might not know the exact bushes and farms where the stealing and conflict threats emanate from, with farmers losing their farm proceeds to thieves linked to neighbouring communities.
Weeks ago, the Chairman of Ofutop Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Atun-Ntun Bassey Okey, alarmed the safety of his domain, saying his community youths had mounted surveillance in border villages to defend their clan.
The royal father alleged that two of his subjects were beheaded, one roasted and eaten, while two others were shot dead.
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu, has sternly warned both parties to maintain the status quo until further directives are issued.
The Governor assured both communities that the government will identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of the recent violent acts, stressing: “You cannot kill and go free”.
He promised to investigate the claims made regarding military actions in both communities.
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