The Nigerian Army has rejected allegations that its troops set fire to homes during a two‑month deployment in Odonget, a community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The deployment began on 12 March 2026 when soldiers from the 13 Brigade in Calabar and the 245 Battalion based at Edor Barracks, Ikom, responded to distress calls from suspected illegal miners. The miners claimed that local youths were assaulting them after the miners refused to pay a N1,000 toll for access to mining sites.
Since the army’s arrival, residents have accused soldiers of destroying more than 50 houses along with stalls, shrines and community halls. They also claim that over 200 people were detained and that several individuals were beaten or shot. As villagers gradually return from hiding in bushes and from neighbouring settlements, they are demanding compensation for the alleged damage and loss of life.
Major Yemi Sokoya, public relations officer for the 13 Brigade, denied the accusations. He challenged community members to provide concrete evidence linking soldiers to the fires. “When we answered the distress calls we were ambushed by local youths, during which one of our soldiers was killed,” Sokoya said. “In the ensuing cordon‑and‑search operation we uncovered arms and ammunition hidden in the area. The claim that we burned houses is false; it contradicts our mandate to protect lives and property.”
Sokoya suggested that a rival community could be responsible for the arson, noting longstanding tensions between Odonget—part of the larger Ochon area—and the neighbouring Alesi community. “The axis has been volatile for years. It is possible that misguided youths from the neighbouring community took advantage of the situation to set fire to houses,” he remarked.
The army’s statement also cited a casualty figure of four civilian deaths and one soldier killed during the engagement, differing from community reports.
The dispute highlights ongoing security challenges in Cross River State, where illegal mining activities and inter‑community conflict often draw military intervention. Human‑rights organisations have called for an independent inquiry to verify the extent of property damage and possible abuses.
The Nigerian government has not yet announced any formal investigation or compensation scheme. As the situation develops, both the army and local residents appear poised for further dialogue, while observers await corroborating evidence to clarify the events that unfolded during the two‑month occupation of Odonget.
