Scores Flee C’River Community As Soldiers Take Over * After Army Commander Was Shot By Villagers
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Nko community in the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State has been deserted by the villagers, following the army invasion of the community. The soldiers were said to have invaded the place as a result of the shooting of a soldier who was there on a peace mission.
Nko and Onyedama have been on each other’s jugular for up to two weeks now over a disputed land. A combined team of security agents were said to have gone there to reconcile the warring communities and had secured the commitment of the leaders last week.
But just when some of the security personnel were to leave the place, one of the youths fired a shot at one of the soldiers, a commander and was rushed out fo the community for medical attention.
Apparently irked by the attack on the soldier, more soldiers were drafted to the community from neighbouring formations within and outside the state. The soldiers have taken over the place as they search for the boys behind the shooting.
As at press time, the Nko people had moved into the bush in nearby Ugep and Ekori. Some of the fleeing natives took over the palace of the Obol Opon of Ugep, scampering for water and food.
A member of the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona has already taken steps to wade into the issue. He has been in touch with various agencies of the federal government as he seeks their intervention by way of relief for the victims.
He has also spoken with agents of the state government, seeking the intervention of the state emergency management agency.
As at press time, the lawmaker was also making arrangements to send relief to the people, even as he pleaded with the all those concerned to give peace a chance.
