Six persons killed in renewed communal clash in Yakurr

Six  persons were feared dead and houses burnt at the weekend in  renewed hostilities between two neighbouring communities, Onyadama and Iyima in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, over a piece of farmland.

A resident, who did not want his name in print, told Community News that the clash, which started on Tuesday,  raged on till Wednesday even as policemen were dispatched to the area by the state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, to quell hostilities.

The source said the policemen were overpowered and the fighting continued on Friday and Saturday, leading to  loss of lives and properties on both sides.

“I set out to return to Calabar this morning (Sunday) but when we got close to the feuding communities, we were advised to go back because the situation is very bad so I had to return  to Ikom. I am considering taking Abakaliki Road.

“The people of Inyima backed by their Nko brethren have wreak havoc in  Onyadama because they believe the people burnt their houses and killed many people in Inyima in April.

“Nko people are supporting Inyima this time. This is why they succeeded in entering Onyadama and killed many people and burnt down houses on Friday and Saturday.”

Speaking on the issue, the Public Relations Officer of  the Cross River State Police Command, Ms Irene Ugbo, said anti-riot policemen have succeeded in restoring normalcy in the area.

“As  I speak to you now, anti-riot policemen are there and normalcy has returned and roadblocks mounted by both communities along the Ikom- Calabar highway.”