✕ CLOSE Online Special City News Entrepreneurship Environment Factcheck Everything Woman Home Front Islamic Forum Life Xtra Property Travel & Leisure Viewpoint Vox Pop Women In Business Art and Ideas Bookshelf Labour Law Letters
Click Here To Listen To Trust Radio Live

Sporadic shooting as Cross River communities clash over rice farm

Sporadic shooting is being reported in two communities in Yala council area of Cross River in a clash over a parcel of rice farm.

The shooting in O’Oba and Itega Okpame is said to have lasted all through Tuesday night and is ongoing still, Daily Trust correspondent in the state says.

Number of casualties is yet to be determined, but five people were killed when both communities clashed last year.

SPONSOR AD

Houses have been set ablaze, one of them belonging to Gabe Onah, a former chairman of Cross River carnival commission.

Cross River police commissioner Alhassan Aminu has confirmed the deployment of police to the area.

“Some miscreants from O’Oba invaded the other community and began to shoot,” he said.

He said he was aware that miscreants allegedly from O’Oba invaded the other community which had accused them of setting the rice farm on fire.

“Delegations from the warring communities had met with my DPO in charge of Okpoma. We have mobilised our men to take over these places. We are going to ensure peace and security.”

Meanwhile, elders of the communities assembled in the village square to see how to resolve the crisis.

But while the elders met, local folks have reportedly deserted the two communities and took refuge in the palace of the paramount ruler of Yala LGA, HRH Ogamode Onah Ipuole.

According to a community source, Helen Agbor, “Last night and into this morning, there was sporadic shooting and arson, especially on the major Ogoja-Abakaliki road that links the two communities.

“As a spillover effect, neighboring communities, especially Utukpo, Olachor and Anchor have not been at peace.

“Members of the communities gathered this morning at their respective village squares.

“Delegations were sent to the Paramount Ruler, HRH Ogamode Onah Ipuole, by elders of the communities.

“The Utukpo delegation was led by the Ogbuole (deputy clan head), Chief Moses Oko.

“The Itega community had cultivated rice on the disputed swamp and had harvested, awaiting threshing. Overnight, the harvest was set ablaze. They pointed accusing fingers at the O’Oba people. That was what set off this year’s crisis.”

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to reflect the latest information

Sponsored

Discover the latest trends on Temu! Shop mobile phones, fashion, beauty, home essentials & more. Start exploring now!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Unlock AI's potential! Get top prompts for content, blogs, social media, research, draft proposals and more. Boost creativity start using AI tools today!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Start Affiliate Marketing Today! Learn step-by-step how to set up a blog, find programs, create links, and earn money—beginner-friendly guide inside!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Join our FREE WEBINAR! Discover the 3-step formula to turn WhatsApp into a cash-generating machine. Sign up now and start earning!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Master Facebook Ads! Learn to set up Business Manager, run campaigns, optimize budgets, and drive sales. Start your journey to ad success today!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Unlock your confidence and attract the love you deserve! Learn how to become irresistible to women—start your transformation today!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.