By Obio Monday
Report reaching GRASSROOT REPORTERS says many persons have been killed in a communal conflict between the people of Esuk Mba and Ikot Asuquo in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.
A source from the Esuk Mba, Nkoyo Etim who spoke to GRASSROOT REPORTERS from the bush where she ran for safety said the incident started yesterday and continued as of the time of filing this report.
She said she lost two of her cousins, Etete and Sammy from the unprovoked attacked by the people of Ikot Asuquo on Esuk Mba community.
"As am speaking to you, I'm in fear. I ran inside the bush since last night with my sisters and we've trekked from Akpabuyo to Atimbo for safety. They destroyed many houses in Esuk Mba, killed many, raped women. They killed my cousins, carried their corpses in a wheelbarrow and matched through Esuk Mba to Maternity Junction."
Another source who pleaded anonymity narrated how the incident happened.
According to him, "some youths from Ikot Asuquo played Agaba ( an outlawed traditional play) yesterday, January 3 at Maternity Junction down to Esuk Mba. When they got to Esuk Mba, they started inflicting matchet wounds on residents of the community, destroyed houses, raped women. This morning, they came again. This time, they started shooting sporadically, killing many."
When contacted by GRASSROOT REPORTERS for comments, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo said she's yet to briefed on the incident, but promised to get back to our correspondent once she's furnished with details by the DPO in charge of Akpabuyo. She was yet to do so as of press time.
However, a media aide to the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government who could not disclose her Identity when contacted, confirmed the incident. She said: "There is a serious problem going on now. Please I'll call you back..."
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