A group of armed individuals dressed in military attire reportedly invaded the Mbiaong Ukwa Community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State.
Tragically, they took the lives of five elderly individuals and caused significant damage to houses in the area. Witnesses claim that these armed invaders originated from the Isu community in Ihechiowa Local Government Area of Abia State, and they allegedly kidnapped several young men who resisted their actions.
Surprisingly, the police authorities in the state have stated that they have no knowledge of this attack. Irene Ugbo, the PPRO, mentioned that the incident had not been reported to them and that they should have been informed first. However, she promised to verify the information and provide an update.
Chief Okon Odiong Ekpenyong Esu, a community leader of Ukwa Ibom-Efik Eburutu, expressed his concerns about the invasion, stating that it was not the first time such incidents had occurred. He revealed that the invaders frequently come to their community to mine limestone and seize their land.
He also highlighted the loss of lives, particularly among the elderly and children who were unable to escape, as well as the kidnappings that have taken place. The continuous aggression and destruction inflicted upon the Mbiabong Ukwa people by the Isu Community, with the assistance of individuals in military uniform, has been ongoing for years without any intervention or support for the helpless Mbiabong Ukwa people.
It is believed that the wealthy Isu leaders and others from Abia State are backing these actions in order to gain control of the valuable limestone resources in Mbiabong land.
The Isu Community’s claim of a common boundary with Mbiabong Ukwa has been refuted, as the constant killings and invasions by Isu are not a result of communal land conflict, but rather a deliberate attempt by wealthy individuals in Abia State to seize control of the limestone and other mineral resources in Mbiabong Ukwa.
The recent destruction on May 11, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of Mr. Ediong Ediong Essien, his wife Madam Ekpitu Ediong Essien, and young boy Asuquo Ndem, as well as the kidnapping of many others, was facilitated by the lack of motorable roads and electricity in the Ukwa Eburutu Community, hindering the residents’ ability to seek help.
The masterminds behind these attacks are solely interested in exploiting the mineral wealth of Ukwa Eburutu, and the situation has become unbearable.
The community urgently appeals to both the Federal and Cross River State governments for assistance in order to prevent their complete annihilation by neighboring Igbo communities.
The Isu people have been trespassing on Mbiabong Ukwa’s land without consent, engaging in activities such as fishing and farming. In response to the attack, Williams Bassey, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in the LGA, has condemned the violence and called for immediate government intervention.
