Follow Us on Google
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons following the renewed communal clash between the Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government.
Criss Rever state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah disclosed this in a statement,saying,”Charles Omini Iyam,28,reported the killing of his father, Omini Iyam Ebri, 56, who was allegedly shot in the face while working on his farm along Ekpenti Farm Road, off Idomi–Ugep Road.
“A second victim, Ubi Ofem Ubi, 58 , who was with the deceased at the time of the attack, sustained a gunshot injury on his left leg but passed away while in the hospital”, he said.
He said the incident has heightened tension between the affected communities, with indications of emerging communal unrest.
“Police operatives, in collaboration with VCRU personnel, have been deployed to the area to maintain peace, prevent further escalation, and reassure residents while efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible”, the Police Spokesman said.
Other News
Meanwhile, Chairman of Yakurr LG, Yibala Inyang has condemned the renewed crisis saying that it is contrary to resolutions reached by both communities.
The council boss subsequently issued a 72 hours ultimatum to the traditional leadership and community heads of the communities to produce the suspects.
“I hereby, direct the traditional leadership and community heads of both Ugep and Idomi communities to identify and present, within 72 hours (3 days) of the issuance of this statement, the individuals responsible for actions, statements or activities reigniting hostilities between these two communities.
“Failure to comply with this directive will attract appropriate legal consequences and the relevant community leadership shall be held accountable in accordance with the resolutions jointly adopted during the peace meeting and the laws of the land”, the council chairman said.
He emphasised that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace, endangering lives and property or reversing the progress already made towards reconciliation.
