Five youth, policeman killed in renewed communal clash in Cross River
Five youths and one policemen were allegedly killed in a renewed communal clash between the people of Ojor and Uyangba in Akampa Local Government Area, Cross River State on Christmas Day.
Daily Times investigations revealed that an Uyangba man married to an Ojor lady was intercepted on his way to his in- laws place. He was alleged to be found with arms and ammunition. In an effort to run away, he was short dead and his vehicle burnt.
When the news got to his kinsmen in Ojor, they mobilised and went on a reprisal and in the process, hell was let loose. The mayhem which lasted over six hours left houses and property burnt with causalities on both sides.
In a chart with our correspondent Chief Asukwo Ekpo said “Uyangha people acted on information, intercepted ammunition from an Adim man who is an inlaw to Ojor people in Akamkpa.
“The man attempted to run but the people of Uyanga shot him dead and burnt the car he was driving. The people of Ojor after suffering heavy casualties retreated and left for re-enforcement”
“This morning, December 26th the people of Ojor after re-enforcement, came to Uyangha and encountered them. Unfortunately, Uyangha people ran out of ammunition and ran away. The Ojor people capitalized on that burnt several houses belonging to Uyangha people.
“Property worth several hundreds of thousands naira including houses, personal effects, cash, electronics, furniture and other belongings have been destroyed” Chief Ekpo stated, adding that several people have been reported dead and the war has disrupted movement in the areas as the war was fought in the public highway.
When Daily Times contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo on phone on Tuesday, she confirmed the incident saying it was regrettable. She said Police had drafted anti riot Police men to the area.
She explained that there was calm yesterday but the people regrouped and started another round of fight but the Police deployed mobile Police men to the area to restore peace and normalcy.
“The incident started yesterday December 25th and Police drafted her men to the scene, unfortunately, we lost our officer but could not say if the communities recorded any casualty” She further said that Police have recovered the corps of the Police officer that was shot dead.
By Edem Bassey, Calabar
