Security agents on a peacekeeping operation have allegedly attacked residents of Nko, a community in Yakurr LGA, Cross River State.
The security operatives had been deployed to the community to ensure peace, following a clash with Oyadama, a neighbouring community.
Residents told journalists that the operatives broke into homes and shops, and started shooting sporadically, “maiming and beating women”.
The operation was said to have started on Saturday evening and continued up till Sunday, The Trumpet gathered.
It was gathered that there has been an ongoing clash between Nko and Oyadama communities, which has claimed the lives of many locals, including the son of a community leader.
“After several attempts at making peace, the Oyadama people invaded our farms,” one of the residents said.
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“The first time they abducted the monarchs’ son, the operatives commanding the checkpoint between Nko/Nyima axis were aware and made several attempts to ensure peace, but to no avail. In spite of many attempts at peace, they insisted on war.
“As the war started, the security agents came in. We thought they just came in for peace, but to our greatest surprise, yesterday evening, they came and started shooting randomly.
“Even when our women came out to protest, they were seriously beaten. Some were injured. So, they continued yesterday night (Saturday) and this morning, they invaded the community, breaking houses, burning shops, picking women, and so on,” the resident said.
