The Obubra–Ikom highway in Cross River State was thrown into chaos on Wednesday after angry youths from Alesi and Obubra communities killed a young man and paraded his headless body, sparking panic and fear among travelers.
The violence began after the youths intercepted a Hilux truck transporting cocoa from Iyamitet in Obubra to Ikom. They reportedly offloaded 22 bags of cocoa before setting the vehicle ablaze in broad daylight, leaving motorists stranded and the highway blocked.
The gruesome murder, which occurred at Etara in Obubra, has deepened existing tension in the central part of the state, raising fears of reprisal attacks between rival groups. Witnesses said the atmosphere along the busy highway was charged, with residents fleeing the area to avoid being caught in the violence.
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Afegbua Rashid, quickly moved to restore order, directing the commanders of Ikom and Obubra to secure the highway and prevent further bloodshed. According to the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Igri Ewa, the CP personally visited the troubled spot and engaged security stakeholders to calm the situation.
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“The CP has mandated area commanders to clear the highway and stem the violence. He has also met with community leaders in Ogoja and Ikom, cautioning divisional police officers to take full responsibility for security in their jurisdictions,” Igri said.
Although calm has been restored for now, tension still hangs in the air, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence along the Obubra–Ikom axis to deter further attacks. Residents fear the incident could spark a cycle of reprisal killings if urgent steps are not taken to reconcile the warring youths.
