Reports have emerged of a tragic incident in Mbiabong Ukwa Community, Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, where armed men dressed in military uniform invaded the area, resulting in the death of five elderly people and destruction of homes.
According to witnesses, the attackers, believed to be from the Isu community in Ihechiowa Local Government Area of Abia State, allegedly kidnapped several young men who resisted them during the invasion.
Despite the severity of the attack, police authorities in the state claim they were not aware of the incident. Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), stated that the attack had not been reported to them and pledged to investigate further.
Community leader Chief Okon Odiong Ekpenyong Esu of Ukwa Ibom-Efik Eburutu condemned the invasion, highlighting that such attacks were not uncommon and often related to disputes over land and mineral resources, particularly limestone.
Ekpenyong Esu emphasized the recurring aggression faced by the Mbiabong Ukwa community, with innocent residents being killed or kidnapped. He accused wealthy individuals from Abia State of orchestrating the attacks to seize control of the rich mineral resources in Mbiabong Ukwa land.
The lack of motorable roads and electricity exacerbates the vulnerability of the community, making it challenging for residents to seek help during such attacks.
In response to the incident, Williams Bassey, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the LGA, condemned the attack and called for swift government intervention to address the escalating violence and safeguard the lives of residents.
