Another communal clash between four communities in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State has allegedly claimed 12 lives with property valued at millions of naira destroyed.
The communities involved include: Mbiabo, Ediong, Obomitiat Edere and Idim Ndom Eki, all in Odukpani local government area of the State.
Emiratco gathered that beside those allegedly murdered during the crisis, residential buildings were also destroyed including the Government Primary School and Community Health Centre in Obomitiat Edere, which were set ablaze.
The Head of Local Government Administration, (HOLGA) Odukpani local government area, Mrs Ekeng E. J. Ebri, in a press release made available to newsmen, advised the warring communities to lay down arms and seek peaceful resolution to their conflict in the interest of their children and generations yet unborn.
Mrs Ebri pointed out that there would be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of war. “No meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and bloodshed,” she said.
She stated this in a meeting with the Head of traditional rulers of the affected communities in her office.
The meeting, which had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Odukpani loal government Area, HRM Etinyin Otu Mesembe VI and heads of Security agencies in Odukpani local government area, resolved to send a strong warning to traditional rulers in the affected communities to caution their subjects to stop further escalation of the crisis.
The meeting also resolved that if any security breach is reported in the affected communities, the local government council will not hesitate to recommend to the State Government to consider withdrawing the certificate of recognition of the Clan and Village Heads in the affected communities on grounds of incompetence and inability to maintain peace and order in their respective domains.
Traditional rulers in the affected communities were advised to adhere strictly to this directive.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo told DAILY POST “The communal clash had been there for a very long time.
“Police have been trying to protect life and property. Our men are on ground, you know in most of these villages, people are very mischievous. Our teams of mobile policemen are there,” she stated.
