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| Two men murdered by suspected Isu assailants |
By Ita Bassey
The recent attack on January 3, 2025, by the Isu Community, Arochukwu in Abia State, on Mbiabong Ukwa in Odukpani LGA, Cross River State, which resulted in the gruesome murder of two promising young men and five others sustaining life-threatening gunshot injuries, is one among the frequent and numerous deadly attacks carried out by the Isu people.
A recent claim by the Isu community regarding three missing persons following their attack on farmers from Mbiabong Ukwa, as alleged by one Ugochukwu Alaribe in the Vanguard newspaper on January 8, is not only disheartening and disappointing but also a calculated lie. It is a deliberate ploy to misinform Nigerians and garner undeserved sympathy. Every right-thinking Nigerian should question the authenticity of such an allegation, as it is a matter of record that Mbiabong Ukwa and the entire Ukwa Eburutu do not share a boundary with Ihe Isu.
The Isu community has a history of disputes with all their neighboring communities. Fortunately, neither Mbiabong Ukwa nor Esit Ukwa shares any boundary with Isu. Despite this, Isu people have continually carried out deadly attacks, leaving no fewer than 20 farmers in Mbiabong Ukwa dead in recent times.
In spite of peace talks initiated by the governors of the two states a few months ago, the Isu people have persistently disregarded these efforts, rendering them futile and meaningless. Their claim of three missing persons is laughable, as they have failed to provide the names of these individuals, as well as details of where and when they were allegedly abducted by the Mbiabong Ukwa community.
From all indications, this allegation is motivated by any desire to attract sympathy, generate unnecessary attention, and influence the public to falsely accuse Mbiabong Ukwa, a community still mourning the gruesome loss of their children (Abi Effiong Oku and Inyang Nya Ewa). It is ironic that the aggressors now paint themselves as victims. This baseless narrative only underscores their intent to exploit misinformation for self-pity and public sympathy.
The Mbiabong Ukwa community is appealing to the Cross River State government and the Nigerian government to intervene decisively and bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. The incessant and ceaseless violence—occurring almost monthly—has left many dead and created an atmosphere of fear that discourages local farmers from working their lands. The safety and livelihoods of the Mbiabong Ukwa people are under constant threat, paralyzing their farming and business activities.
While the government is called upon to take proactive measures to end these reckless and unjust attacks by the Isu people, Nigerians must critically examine the claims of missing persons. These allegations are without merit and do not reflect the reality of the situation.
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