Communal Clashes: Cross River Govt Sacks Monarchs, Takes Over Land
Cross River State Government has ordered the dethronement and decertification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Onyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas with immediate effect.
A statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Linus Obogo, read, “The dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs and all other traditional rulers in the two warring communities are as a result of the intractable communal clashes.”
The statement added, “The ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest.
“Additionally, the government has ordered the sustenance of army operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel are produced or fished out.”
Meanwhile, a prominent son of Ugep and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Obono Obla, has condemned the crisis in a statement.
He said, “I call on the Cross River State and Federal government of Nigeria as a matter of urgency to intervene to stem the orgy of violence that has engulfed Nko in Yakurr; and Onyadama in Obubra local government areas.
“The violence has led to the unprecedented destruction of lives and properties in the past two weeks, the dislocation of the lives of the people from these two communities, and a breakdown of law and order.
“The blames for this unfortunate and sad turn of events is on the Chairmen of Yakurr and Obubra local government councils. They are guilty of dereliction of their responsibilities.”
Also, the lawmaker representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona, had appealed to the warring communities to stop the bloody conflict.
Egbona said on Monday in a statement that the conflict would undermine the peace and development of the two local governments.
According to him, it was unfortunate that the two brothers were at war with each other over ephemeral things and advised the fighters to allow peace to reign.
Both Nko and Onyadama communities have been fighting over a piece of land.
