BY KHADIJAH YAHAYA, Kaduna
The arrival of detachments of soldiers from the 13 Brigade of Nigeria Army has helped to stop the killings in Ovonum and Ofatura in Obubra Local Government Area in central Cross River State.
Before the arrival of the soldiers, a number of deaths had already been recorded in both communities and over 200 houses, destroyed.
The communal conflict resurfaced on October, 1st this year, leading to the closure of the Ikom-Ogoja federal highway.
The battling communities, according to native sources, are fighting over a disputed parcel of land at their farming area called the plantation.
Governor Bassey Otu then ordered the detachment of soldiers, who are still stationed in the communities to restore peace.
Thousands have so far been displaced, and many have fled their homes in both communities.
A resident of the area, Elom Obongha, who spoke to newsmen expressed that violence broke out at midnight over the disputed land and escalated quickly before soldiers arrived at dawn.
“By the time the soldiers arrived, a lot of damage had been done and now thousands of people are taking refuge at Mater Misericordiae Catholic Church,” he said.
It will be recalled that in April this year, there was an outbreak of conflict between the two communities, which left many dead and houses destroyed.
A member of the state House of Assembly representing the area, Egbe Abeng, denied having a hand in the conflict.
He commended the state governor for being proactive in intervening, using soldiers.
He tasked the government to interrogate the leadership of both Ofatura and Ovoum communities.
