Ben Ayade’s Chief Of Staff Frowns At Kutia/Ukpe Communal Clash

Martin Orim, Chief of Staff to Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, late Friday evening, condemned in strong terms the communal clash between the Ukpe and Kutia communities in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River North, describing the conflict “as an unfortunate situation, driven more by hatred than common sense”. He also was at a loss that two communities that have “common ties have resorted to settling differences by viciously attacking each other in an era when disagreements can be amicably settled”.

Orim, who spoke with www.calitown.com, came clear that those whose stock in trade is to foment trouble at the slightest instance, “are yet to understand that every time these conflicts prop up, our communities take several developmental steps backwards. I am very pained that this is happening when my principal is working at re-positioning our state. When these things happen, it is a painful digression for His Excellency because he cannot just sit back and watch people kill themselves as the Chief Security Officer”.

Those in the know from Obudu, informed www.calitown.com that so far, 15 houses have been razed to the ground in Kutia, by people from Ukpe, Orim’s village. Security agencies in the area are believed to be working round the clock to bring this unfortunate situation under control. Sources in the area also informed www.calitown.com that the Chief of Staff has engaged prominent citizens of the area in a bold bid to end hostilities there.