11 killed, 2,000 displaced in C’River communal clash

Eleven persons have been killed and no fewer than 2,000 persons displaced in Adadama, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

This followed a land dispute on Saturday in the border community with its neighbour, Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Eyewitnesses said the crisis arose from a renewed land dispute between Adadama and Amagu communities.

Acting Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cobham, who visited Adadama, confirmed this on Sunday and said the state had put machinery in motion to ensure that normalcy returned to the area.

Cobham, who also sympathised with the people over the loss of lives and property, urged them to cooperate with the law enforcement agents deployed in the area to maintain peace.

He said there was no need for those affected to resort to self-help because such could only worsen the situation “since two wrongs cannot make a right”.

He said, “I am here to commiserate with you over the unfortunate incident that happened on Saturday. We share with you in your sorrow and we are committed to stand by you to ensure that we get to the root causes of the crises.

“No responsible government will fold its arms and watch its citizens being maltreated, not to talk of killing of them. We will not allow the perpetrators go scot-free, all of them will be brought to justice.’’

Cobham expressed displeasure over the unfortunate incident in spite of a cease-fire and peace meeting brokered between the communities, which ended fruitfully.

He warned against reprisal, which, according to him, will only lead to more casualties.

At the Government Primary School, Annung, Abi Local Government Area, where the 2,000 people are being  camped, Cobham assured them of the state government’s assistance.

Cobham, who also assured them of adequate security, visited the Palace of the Clan Head of Itigidi, Edward Asikong where he urged the monarch to mobilise his subjects to support the security operatives drafted to the area to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, gunmen on Friday killed two policemen and a woman at Ungwar Dosa of Kaduna State.

An eyewitness said the gunmen came on a motor bike and shot the two policemen who were on duty at the area.

 A stray bullet hit a woman and her daughter, who were close to the scene.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Aminu Lawan, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident,  saying the command  had launched an investigation  to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Muktar Yero, has visited  the scene of the incident and the hospital where the woman and her daughter were said to be  receiving treatment.