We can reliably confirm as night fell, late Saturday evening that casualties have been recorded in the renewed communal conflict between the Ediba and Usumutong communities in Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State.
Our correspondent on the ground in the area reported via text message that, “…two Usumutong men have been captured and taken to Ediba. Three prominent Ediba youths, Sir White, Edward and the other whose name l can’t say now have been killed by the Usumutong people”. A few Usumutong people are also reported to have been killed and palpable fear has taken over the two communities. Several people in both communities are believed to have abandoned the communities, taking up residence in neighbouring Ugep, Yakurr LGA and Abaomege in Ebonyi State.
“I am convinced that because of the casualties so far on both sides, the killing will continue in the morning and sincerely, parents in both communities will not let their children go to school next week, it is unfortunate…”, another source in the area added.
The Special Assistant to Abi Local Government Chairman on Peace and Security, Henry Ofewah, told www.calitown.com that “there has been no security presence in the area. Painfully, just four days ago, Bahumono chiefs led by the Ebom people, had embarked on a peace initiative to both communities and what has happened today clearly rubbishes that effort. Government must sincerely step in, brothers cannot be killing brothers”, he concluded.
When we spoke with the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State, Irene Ugbo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, she informed www.calitown.com that she has not been informed about the recent development and promised to get back to us when she has been briefed.