10,000 residents displaced in Cross River communal crisis

No less than 10,000 residents have been displaced following the communal crisis between Nko in Yakurr and Onyadama in Abi Local Government Areas in Cross Rivers State.

Confirming the development, the paramount ruler of Yakurr LGA and Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana, said the displaced residents include those who fled mostly from Nko, a community next to Ugep.

He said the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) flooded his palace in Ugep since five days ago when platoons of soldiers were deployed from Edor Barrack in Ikom to restore law and order.

The monarch said he was able to move a number of the IDPs to a primary school nearby, using his resources and also feed them, as no authority is yet to come to the support of the refugees.

According to him, “It is only the chairman of Yakurr LGA that has sent me N20,000 to support the feeding of the refugees.”

Recall that the state government had ordered the immediate dethronement and decertification of rulers of both communities over the communal clash that has claimed lives and led to the destruction of property.

A statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Linus Obogo, also ordered the revocation of ownership of the disputed land, adding that it has been taken over by the state government for overriding public interest.

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