One killed in Ebonyi, Cross River communal conflict

There was panic and tension in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following an alleged beheading of one Uche Ossinye and shooting of other indigenes of Ochienyim Community in Ikwo Local Government by suspected warriors from Adadama Community who invaded the community.
The people of Ochienyim village in Amagu Community and their Adadama neighbors in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State have been engaged in boundary war in the last couple of years and the conflict has led to the death of over 100 persons and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
A witness who spoke to journalists on the recent attack on the people of Ochienyim said that Mr. Ossinye who hails from Amagu community was beheaded when warlords suspected to have come from Adadama invaded the community.
The witness, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, said on the day of the attack, a member of the community, Osana Nwigboji, was shot in the leg and was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
He stated that the deceased left a week-old-baby, a three-year-old child and wife behind.
The source said the timely intervention of the police stationed in the area prevented the invaders from causing more damage like they did in late October when they set buildings ablaze.
“They exchanged fire with the police and seeing that they were no match for the trained officers they retreated,” the source said.
Moved by the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Peace Abdallah, visited the widow and members of the community.
Addressing the people, the commissioner urged them not to take laws into their hands and ensure they work closely with the police officers sent to the area to ensure protection of lives and properties.
She advised them to stay away from the buffer zone until it is demarcated, adding that the government has taken measure to demarcate the boundary.
The current attack came barely a week after the Inspector General of Police in charge of zone 6 Calabar warned that the police will arrest perpetrators and sponsors of the lingering crisis.