From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Fresh violence has broken out in the ongoing communal conflict between Etono 2 and Biakpan in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The resurgence of hostilities occurred when youths from Etono 2 allegedly attacked and killed a visitor to Biakpan and another youth.
In the latest development, sporadic shootings were heard on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, inside Biakpan, resulting in a few fatalities.
State Security Adviser for the Southern District, Patrick Odion, confirmed that security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation. “We have our men on the ground to restore peace,” he said.
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, had previously summoned the two communities to his headquarters in Calabar and cautioned them against further violence.
The police commissioner disclosed that there was a massive build-up of arms in the two communities and vowed to retrieve them.
However, stakeholders from both communities expressed concerns that security personnel often leave after tensions are doused, only for hostilities to resume soon after.
A youth leader from Etono 2, Egwu Jerry, lamented, “The presence of security men usually gives us confidence, but once they leave, our safety is no longer guaranteed.”
A chief from Biakpan, Onun Ekpezu, alleged that Etono 2 people were aggressive and violent, destroying properties and farms and killing their people and visitors.
“Because of this, our youths have positioned themselves to defend our women and properties,” Ekpezu said.
Meanwhile, a renowned religious leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, had invited both sides for a peace meeting in Calabar, but the Etono 2 community has declined the invitation.