Witnesses in Tomibiaong Ukwa Community, Cross River State, report a harrowing attack allegedly perpetrated by armed individuals donning military attire.
The invaders, believed to hail from the distant Isu community in Ihechiowa Local Government Area of Abia State, are accused of perpetrating a vicious assault resulting in the deaths of five elderly individuals and the destruction of numerous homes.
According to eyewitness accounts, the armed assailants also purportedly engaged in the abduction of several young men who resisted their incursion.
However, authorities from the police department in the state have claimed ignorance of the reported attack.
Irene Ugbo, Public Relations Officer for the Cross River State Police Command, stated, “We are not aware of such an attack. It has not been reported to us.
The first place they ought to have reported is the nearest Divisional Police Officer. As of yesterday night, we didn’t get this information. But let me cross-check. I will revert…”
Community leader Chief Okon Odiong Ekpenyong Esu, representing Ukwa Ibom-Efik Eburutu, issued a statement revealing that this recent invasion is not an isolated incident. He disclosed a pattern of aggression, attributing the motive to the desire to exploit the rich limestone deposits within their community’s land.
The statement further alleges complicity of wealthy individuals from the Isu community in Abia State, accusing them of orchestrating a campaign of territorial expansion at the expense of the Mbiabong Ukwa community.
The lack of infrastructure, such as motorable roads and electricity, exacerbates the vulnerability of the community, leaving them ill-equipped to defend against such attacks.
Expressing concern over the dire situation, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Chairman for the locality, Williams Bassey, condemned the assault and urged prompt government intervention to address the escalating violence and safeguard the lives and property of residents.
The plea for assistance extends to both the Federal and Cross River State governments, as the embattled community fears for its survival amidst what it perceives as an existential threat posed by neighbouring communities.
