Just yesterday when the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade inaugurated a committee to end the age-long communal crisis between four communities (Ebom/Ebijiakara and Ediba/Usumutong) in Abi local government area, another has erupted in Odukpani local government area.
THE PARADISE learned that at about 1:00am today (Wednesday) morning, a fight brewing between the people of Ikot Offiong and Akpap Okoyong community of Odukpani has led to the killing of many and destruction of properties.
A reliable source said the crisis started when Ikot Offiong people attacked the Okoyong people who are currently harbouring them due to their crisis with the Oku Iboku people of Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom State that has left many displaced.
“Ikot Offiong people have been living in our community for a while following the continuous fighting between them and the Itu people – we don’t know that they are watering a bad agenda in their heart.
“This morning at about 1:00am, the Ikot Offiong people started attacking Akpap Okoyong people, burning and maiming houses. No one knows their secret agenda but some information at my disposal is that they have been planning this for a while.
“They have killed a lot of people while sleeping in their houses. We need the government intervention.
“It should be noted that since their expulsion from Oku Iboku, the Okoyong people had been their shelter for almost 21 years”, the source said.
When contacted, Mr Akiba Ekpenyong, Chief Press Secretary to Hon. (Mrs) Justina Edem, Chairman of Odukpani local government area told THE PARADISE that security forces have been mobilised to quell the crisis.
“The Chairman had a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu yesterday concerning the security challenges and the councillors of both wards (Ikot Offiong and Akpap Okoyong) were present. Many deliberations were made and a communique was raised. We still don’t understand why the crisis erupted.
“As I am talking to you, the Chairman has mobilised security personnel including Operation Akpakwu to bring calm to the community”, Akiba Ekpenyong said.
Meanwhile, the committee set up by Governor Ayade and headed by Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, former Senate Majority Leader has been mandated to end the Abi the local government community clash.
