Two Killed in Cross River Communal Clash, Police Restore Calm
By: Zagazola Makama
The Cross River State Police Command has restored normalcy following a communal clash that claimed two lives in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
Sources disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Yakurr Division received information at about 10:20 a.m. on June 8 regarding rising tensions linked to the killing of two persons in a dispute involving neighbouring communities.
According to the sources, one Charles Omini Iyam, 28, of Kebong II, Ugep, accompanied by a large group of youths armed with machetes, moved through parts of the town while protesting the death of his father, Omini Iyam Ebri, 56.
The complainant later reported to the police that his father and another man identified as Ubi Ofem Ubi, 58, had gone to their farm along Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi–Ugep Road, where they were allegedly shot by suspected assailants.
The victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ugep, for treatment but were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Following the report, the DPO immediately mobilised personnel to the affected area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Police authorities also deployed detectives and operatives of the Anti-Vice and Crime Response Unit (VCRU) from the state command headquarters in Calabar to reinforce security and restore peace.
The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Ugep, for preservation and autopsy.
Security patrols have since been intensified in the affected communities to prevent further violence and maintain public order.
Police sources said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest armed youths allegedly involved in the clash, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killings continue.
The command confirmed that normalcy has been restored in the area and assured residents of continued security presence to prevent any resurgence of hostilities.
