Fresh violence has erupted between the communities of Etono 2 and Biakpan in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, resulting in multiple casualties and prompting increased security deployment.
According to local sources, the renewed hostilities began two days ago when youths from Etono 2 allegedly attacked and killed a visitor to Biakpan and another unidentified youth. This latest outbreak follows earlier reports that claimed nearly 50 persons had already been killed on both sides since the conflict began.
"Sporadic shootings were heard on Monday and Tuesday inside Biakpan. A few persons have been killed," a source revealed to BenriNews.
Security Response
Patrick Odion, State Security Adviser for the Southern district, confirmed that his men are on the ground working to calm the situation. The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Olusegun Omosanyin, has also taken action by meeting with the leadership of Biase LGA following the resumption of violence.
This meeting comes just three weeks after the Commissioner had summoned both communities to Police Headquarters in Calabar, where he cautioned them about the conflict and disclosed intelligence about a massive arms buildup in the area. The Commissioner had expressed frustration that both sides had previously ignored his summons three times.
Following Wednesday's meeting, Commissioner Omosanyin assured that additional police forces would be mobilized to Biakpan and Etono 2 to quell the uprising.
Community Perspectives
Stakeholders from both communities have expressed concerns about the cyclical nature of the violence. According to them, hostilities typically resume shortly after security forces withdraw from the area.
Egwu Jerry, a youth leader from Etono 2, lamented their vulnerability: "The presence of the security men usually gives us confidence but once they leave, our safety is no longer guaranteed. We're few compared with those from Biakpan."
Jerry further explained that their community's isolation exacerbates the problem, as they have no access to roads except through Biakpan, making them easy targets for attacks.
From the Biakpan perspective, Chief Onun Ekpezu alleged that "Etono people were too aggressive and violent, and have destroyed their important properties and farms, and had killed their people and visitors." He added, "Because of these, our youths have positioned themselves to defend our women and properties."
Reports indicate that His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, a renowned religious leader from Biakpan, has made several attempts to broker peace by inviting both sides for meetings in Calabar, but representatives from Etono have consistently declined these invitations.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are working to implement more sustainable security measures to prevent further loss of life in the troubled communities.
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