By Kelvin Ololo
Tension erupted on Monday in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a fresh communal clash between the Ofatura and Ovonum communities over an alleged cassava theft linked to a lingering land dispute.
The incident, which occurred on May 18, 2026, reportedly created panic within the affected communities before the swift intervention of security operatives prevented the situation from escalating into violence and possible loss of lives.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the military were deployed to the area after tensions heightened between residents of both communities.
Confirming the development to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said normalcy had been restored following the intervention of security agencies.
According to him, the misunderstanding initially stemmed from allegations of cassava theft but was later discovered to be connected to a deeper land dispute between the neighbouring communities.
“The Command confirms that a communal misunderstanding occurred between Ofatura and Ovonum communities in Obubra Local Government Area, following a report of alleged cassava theft, which was later discovered to be connected to a land dispute,” he stated.
ASP Eitokpah added that both parties were brought into a peaceful dialogue facilitated by the police and agreed to embrace peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“Following the intervention of the Command, both communities agreed to embrace peace and avoid taking laws into their hands,” Eitokpah added.
Residents of the area said the quick response by security personnel helped to calm tensions before the situation could deteriorate into a full-scale communal crisis.
It can be noted that the two communities have been at logger-head in perceived land dispute for years.
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