Two individuals have lost their lives in Iso Bendeghe, a community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a violent confrontation with neighbouring Boje community.
The clash, which erupted on Monday on a disputed farmland, is the latest in a prolonged land-related conflict between the two communities.
An eyewitness, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, revealed that the victims were attacked while carrying out farming activities.
He said, “Two persons were killed, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby medical centre.”
PUNCH Metro recalls that the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, condemned the violence during Monday’s plenary session, calling the act “barbaric and unacceptable.” He stressed that communal disagreements should never escalate to such deadly levels and urged swift intervention by the authorities.
He said, “This House will not tolerate the needless killing of innocent people. We demand immediate security deployment to restore order, protect lives and property, and send a strong message that violence has no place in our dear state.”
The Speaker also appealed to the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to promptly deploy personnel to Boje and Iso Bendeghe to restore calm and prevent further hostilities.
He went further to urge the arrest of community leaders—including Clan Heads, Youth Leaders, and Women Leaders—from both areas believed to have been involved in instigating the conflict.
Attempts to obtain official statements were unsuccessful. The Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Eti-Eka Beatrice, declined to speak and ended the call when contacted.
Similarly, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, did not respond to phone calls or messages. Repeated efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbor, were also unsuccessful as her line remained unreachable.
Advertisement
