—INTER-COMMUNAL conflict raging between the communities of Obubra in Cross River State and their Izzi–Ikwo neighbours of Ebonyi State has left many people dead and several houses razed.
Reports from the area said that about three villages, Ogamala, Ofonekum, Idoro 1 and 2 have been razed and many people rendered homeless following an attack by Izzi combatants on Wednesday and Thursday.
“As I speak, all Cross River villages across the Obubra River have been razed down and many people have been killed with our property including houses, farms and domestic animals destroyed”. David Erom, a resident of the area told Vanguard through the telephone.
Erom who said he was speaking from his hideout in the bush said the Ebonyi communities were claiming ownership of the land in Ofonekum Idoro and Ofon Idah across the river, asking the Cross River people to vacate the land.
“We have been living here for several decades and many generations of our people have always known this place as their home but the recent claim by the Izzi people is strange
“I cannot ascertain the number of those killed since I am in hiding but so many of our people were caught unawares and have fallen to the attack,” David said.
According to him, there is a regiment of soldiers from Nkwegu Barracks stationed in the boundary between the Izzi and Obubra communities, yet the conflict is raging unabated.
Ms Irene Ugbo, the Public Relations Officer of the Cross River Police Command said: “Our commissioner visited the area on Tuesday and we have not received a report of any violence in the area. Let me make a phone call and get back to you.”
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