Residents of Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the Nigerian Army to allow them to return home to bury relatives killed during last week’s violent clashes.
The community remains under heavy security lockdown following the deployment of troops from the 13 Brigade and the 245 Battalion, Edor Barracks. While the military describes its presence as a stabilisation effort, displaced residents allege they have been prevented from accessing the area, even for funeral rites.
A youth leader from Odonget, Theo Abeng, currently taking refuge in neighbouring Ochon village, claimed that attempts to return for burial were met with gunfire.
“The soldiers opened fire on us. One of the boys was killed and we had to flee, leaving his body behind,” he said, adding that some bodies from the earlier clashes were still lying unburied.
Abeng alleged that troops maintain continuous patrols in the community, effectively restricting residents from returning to their homes. He linked the crisis to disputes over illegal mining activities in the area.
According to him, the violence began on March 11 following an incident involving a miner, Ibrahim Musa, who was reportedly confronted by local youths at a checkpoint where his minerals were seized. After reporting the incident to soldiers at the 245 Battalion near Ochon, troops moved into the community to make arrests, triggering further confrontation.
The situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire between youths and security forces, leaving several people injured and resulting in the death of two soldiers. This prompted a reinforcement of military presence in the area.
Abeng also alleged that some security personnel were involved in illegal mining activities, claiming that minerals, including tin ore, had been seized from miners. However, the Nigerian Army has denied any wrongdoing.
In an earlier statement, Major Yemi Sokoya, spokesperson for the 13 Brigade, said troops were ambushed by unidentified gunmen while leaving the area and responded accordingly.
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“During the engagement, troops neutralised four of the armed attackers, while several others escaped,” he said, describing the operation as necessary to restore order.
Meanwhile, Bassey Otu’s Special Adviser on Security, Major General Obono Ubi, has visited the affected community to assess the situation. However, residents say there is yet to be a clear plan for their safe return or the recovery and burial of those killed.
The displaced residents are now calling for urgent intervention to allow dignified burials and restore normalcy to the community.
