Edith CHUKU
Two conflicting reports have been released on the violent clash that occured in a disputed crisis zone between Isabang and Alesi communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
While the State Police command claimed that two army officers may have been killed during the incident, the Nigerian Army have said that only one soldier sustained injury and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
The incident which occured on Thursday, followed a conflict between 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa, a Kusa native who was allegedly beaten by youths at a village checkpoint, with his mined minerals allegedly sized.
Musa, who deals in tin ore at Ekuri village was said to have reported the attack to soldiers stationed at 245 Battalion, Edor Barracks, near Jenifer Etuh’s Hospital in Ochon, troops moved into the forest and about four youths allegedly involved in the attack were arrested.
Residents claimed some youths blocked the access road to prevent the arrest and attacked the soldiers. This act, supposedly led to an open fire that resulted to injuring four persons, including 27 years old Christopher Agara and 30 years old Ogobi Egbe, while two others were evacuated for native treatment.
On their part, the State Police through its Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Eitokpah Akata, affirmed that personnel and tactical teams were deployed to restore normalcy in the area.
According to Eitokpah “preliminary information indicates that the incident followed a dispute between a miner, Ibrahim Musa, and some community youths at a checkpoint within the disputed area between Isabang and Alesi communities.
“The miner was allegedly assaulted and his mined minerals seized, after which he reported the matter to soldiers stationed around Ochon.
“In the course of attempting to arrest the suspects, some youths reportedly resisted and blocked the access road, leading to a confrontation during which four persons were shot.
“Two persons were fatally wounded , while two others sustained injuries and were taken for native treatment,There are also reports that two soldiers may have lost their lives during the incident.
“We have deployed our personnel and tactical teams to the area, and normalcy has been restored.”
He assured that, “investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the command is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace in the affected communities. Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.”
Clarifying the incident, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Mr Yemi Sokoya, explained that “troops of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an ambush by suspected armed criminals while responding to a distress call arising from a communal dispute in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“The incident occurred on 12 March 2026 when troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible information regarding rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget Community. Acting swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the troops mobilised to the area where they conducted patrols and a show of force, which helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy between the concerned parties.
“However, while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the situation, the troops discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons. During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.”
Sokoya further revealed that, “following a contact report from the troops on ground, reinforcements from 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack. The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush.
“Regrettably, one soldier sustained injuries and was promptly evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra LGA, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.”
He affirmed that during the engagement, troops neutralised four of the armed attackers, while several others escaped.
“In the aftermath of the incident, troops have commenced cordon and search operations in suspected communities linked to the attackers to track down the fleeing criminals and prevent further security breaches.
“Additionally, a curfew has been imposed in the affected area to forestall further breakdown of law and order and to deny miscreants the freedom to operate.”
Meanwhile, the Commander 13 Brigade Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena commended what he described as the bravery and professionalism displayed by the troops in confronting the attackers.
He reassured residents of the State of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its Area of Responsibility.
Members of the public were further encouraged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information that will assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.
The commander further assured that details would be communicated as the situation develops.
