A deadly clash has claimed five lives in a renewed communal war between two neighbouring local government areas of Ikom and Obubra local government areas of Cross River State.
Four communities in Ikom LGA namely Ekukunela, Alesi, Agbragba and Okosoro are against other border communities of Ochon, Odung and Okom in neighbouring Obubra LGA over boundary disputes and encroachments.
The chairman of Ofutop traditional rulers Council in Ikom LGA, HRH Atun Bassey Okey who disclosed this to newsmen has equally raised alarm over his personal safety even as he has confirmed that two of his subjects have been beheaded.
According to HRH Okey, “We have lost, at least, five persons from my communities in this renewed hostility. Two were brutally beheaded. Others were cooked and chewed as meat” adding that” The video recorded by the other communities is available for sighting.”
He said that “Even my own personal safety is at stake due to the high insecurity and direct threats to my person.”
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Revealing that much of the killings are done in the bushes where the Mbembe people laid ambush against their rivals, Okey maintained that “They hide in the bushes and launch attacks, abducting and butchering our people.”
To defend themselves, the youths of Ofutop clan are mounting surveillance across the 13 villages of Ofutop clan, the traditional ruler said.
Speaking for the Mbembe people of Obubra LGA, a man who gave his name as Chief Mbe Peter said the Ofutop kinsmen are settlers who are claiming their ancestral lands.
He said, “We’ve been under attack by the Ofutop people. We appeal to the security agencies and state government to come to our aid from these people who are killing us and laying claim to our ancestral lands.”
Meanwhile the Cross River State government has deployed security operatives to enforce calm, and also vest the ownership rights of the disputed land.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, who highlighted the measures during meetings with leaders and stakeholders of the communities of the two local governments in Calabar said by this singular act, the root of contention is extinguished, transforming the territory into a protected heritage under state custody.”
The Deputy Governor also emphasized that peace, safety, and collective wellbeing remain sacrosanct, insisting that “elders, youths, and community leaders are enjoined to embrace reconciliation, cooperate with security agencies, and desist from hostilities,”
He noted that “only through unity can progress and stability take firm root across our beloved State.”
Our reporter has gathered that the deadly crises first erupted in 2016, continued in 2022 and resumed in 2025.
