Communal clash claims 3 in Cross River

No fewer than three youths were at the weekend reported killed in a renewed communal clash between Ediba and Usumutong communities, both in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Over the years, both communities had been at daggers drawn over the ownership of a piece of land, Metro learnt.

A resident of one of the warring communities who craved anonymity, told Metro on Sunday that the attack of one Ediba youth, an okada rider, by suspected youths from Usumutong, in the early hours of Saturday triggered the fresh hostilities.

He said though the okada rider was able to escape the attack with some degrees of injuries, but lost his motorcycle to the attackers, who were armed with guns.

Having failed to achieve their aim, the hoodlums surged towards Enusokwe and Enukwema communities, both in Ediba, where they allegedly murdered three youths in cold blood.

“The situation was terrifying because we least expected this new attack.

“My brother, who is an okada rider, managed to escape the first attack with wounds, but lost his bike.

“Our area in Enusokwe, near water board quarters, appears to be the war theatre for now. So far, three persons have been killed  and we have all fled from our home, including my father,” he said.

The Cross River State Police Command and the 13 brigade Nigerian Armyconfirmed the incident, assuring that the situation had been brought under control.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Jimoh Ozi-Obey, said “we are already aware and in charge, please.”

On the other hand, the 13 brigade commander, Brigadier-General Bulama Biu said: “It’s unfortunate, but security agencies have intervened and we hope things would be stabilised.”