20 Dead as Ebonyi and Cross River Communities Go to War

At least 20 people were on Thursday feared killed after the Ofonekom community in the Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State was invaded by a neighbouring community of Izzi in Ebonyi State.

An indigene of Ofonekom, David Okolo while lamenting their ordeal, told Punch that armed men from Izzi invaded their community in a predawn attack and killed many people after burning down houses.

“As I speak with you, many people have been driven from their homes. Not less than 20 people were killed while they were asleep. They included women and children. They burnt down our houses. We have nowhere to stay and nothing to eat or drink. It is a terrible situation here. Government should do something urgently,” he said.

Mary Etaba, another local affected in the mayhem, called on government support as their lives have been taken from them.

“So many people have been driven away from their homes and are now sleeping in bushes around with no food or water. The war is still ongoing. Government should come to our aid,” she said.

Despite a plea on behalf of the community by a former Minority Leader in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Alex Irek, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, maintains that the situation has been blown out of proportion.

“Sometimes, these figures are blown out of proportion. I can confirm that some houses were burnt and peace had returned to the community after we deployed policemen there,” he said.