How Nigerian Army invaded Nko, Onyedama communities in Cross River State, opened fire on residents

The Nigerian Army raid on two communities in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State has come under severe criticism.

The recurring communal crisis has claimed scores of lives, wounded and displaced many, with properties destroyed.

Last weekend, some people were killed in Nko town after soldiers allegedly opened fire on residents.

The troops were drafted from Edor Barracks in Ikom to curtail the conflict between the people of Nko (Yakurr LGA) and Onyadama (Abi LGA) over a land dispute.

On Saturday, Nko youths went on rampage, maintaining that the Army has not been neutral in their face-off with Onyadama.

After mobilization, they confronted and shot six soldiers and a Colonel who led the team. The latter and his contingent are receiving treatment.

The military authority got furious over the attack and ordered a major operation to fish out the culprits.

On Sunday, troops stormed the community in vehicles after dawn and launched an offensive. It is unclear if there was an exchange of fire.

Elders and stakeholders from Nko community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State have said the invasion of their community by Nigerian Army has hindered their children’s rights to education as it has denied them participation in the ongoing National Examination Council, NECO.

Briefing newsmen in Calabar, yesterday, the community leaders said the invasion had made it impossible for their children to partake in the ongoing NECO exams.

This came as Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Governor Ben Ayade on Solid Mineral Protection and Monitoring Development, Goddie Akpama, has resigned his appointment over what he described as poor handling of the communal clash between Nko and Onyedama communities in the state.

In a letter dated June 29, 2022, he said: “My decision to resign is borne out of the governor/government’s insensitivity to the good people of my community, Nko in Yakurr LGA of Cross River State.”

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army had entered the warring communities in a bid to restore peace as well as manage the communal clash between Nko and Onyedama communities in Yakurr and Obubra LGAs following the  crisis between the two communities over a parcel of land, which has now been taken over by the state government.

Dr. Akpama Akpama, a former Commissioner, Federal Character Commission in the company of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs,Usani Usani, said, Nigerian Army’s modus operandi was unethical and unprofessional and their continuous stay was inimical to their people.

He said: “While we support every responsible and meaningful effort towards maintaining lasting peace in the area, we call on the state government and the military authority to stop the raid in Nko community.

“The security situation in Nko community has remained tensed and fragile. For more than five days running, many people have been killed through shooting at sight and a lot more wounded, property that cannot be quantified at the moment have been destroyed.

“Women and children have fled their homes to take refuge in unknown locations, suffering the harsh effects of the weather with the rainy season.

“The four secondary schools in Nko community are involved in the ongoing NECO examination nationwide, the students as we speak, cannot go to school or write the examinations.

“This is appalling and would definitely have effect on our growing youths. Our children generally have been denied their right to education as they cannot continue their learning in an unsafe environment.”

Akpama denied allegations that an army captain was killed and six others missing in Nko.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army authorities to immediately withdraw its troops from Nko and Onyedama communities in Cross River State.

The troops were drafted there over a week ago to quell a communal clash.

The NBA said the troops rather than keeping peace in the community, had resorted to committing wanton brutality, raping of women and destruction of property.

Daily Trust recalls that Governor Ben Ayade recently dethroned two traditional rulers and demanded the communities to produce six soldiers feared killed during the communal clash.

The Nko youths allegedly shot an army commander alongside six other soldiers on Saturday evening, accusing them of taking sides with their opponents.

Although the youths have accused soldiers of going from house to house killing residents, the governor in a statement by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, ordered the army to sustain its operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six soldiers were produced.

But, in a statement yesterday, the NBA chairman in Cross River, Attah Ochinke, and secretary, Eno Edet, called on the GOC of 82 Division, Enugu to caution the soldiers against reprisal against the villagers.

NBA said, “We call on citizens with access to these institutions to intervene to stop the carnage. A scorched earth policy as is presently being conducted is a rebuke to the training and discipline of the Nigerian Army, and an affront to Nigerian law.

“Reprisal by the army, however self-righteous, cannot replace the due process of law.

“We appeal to the governor to countermand or withdraw his instructions to the army to avoid more loss of innocent lives. We urge the state government to revisit and implement the recommendations of the judicial panel of enquiry over the crisis.

“Perhaps this will bring the crisis to an end and save citizens the annual embarrassment and risk that these clashes pose to all of us.” 

Meanwhile, the Cross River State government has ordered Nko community enmeshed in a clash with the military to produce the missing six personnel of the Nigerian Army alive.

The order was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief press secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Linus Obogo.

The state security council comprising of all service commanders presided by Gov Ayade has been meeting since Monday morning over the weekend communal clash between Nko youths in Yakurr LGA and their neighbours, Onyadama community in Abi LGA over a parcel of land.

Media reports say Nko youths suspected the army of being partial in the matter and allegedly shot an army commander on Saturday evening alongside six other soldiers.

In reaction, more soldiers were mobilised from Edor Barrack in Ikom, which led to more violence, house burning and killings.

In the statement, the government has ordered the army to sustain its operation in Nko community until those behind the shooting of the six military personnel are produced or fished out.

The government has further ordered the dethronement and de-certification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Oyadama, Ovarr Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas with immediate effect.

Obogo said the removal of the two traditional chieftains is a result of the intractable communal clash.

They have also ordered the forfeiture of the land in dispute for the greater public interest.

“The ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government for overriding public interest”, the statement said.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani who is an indigene of Nko in an elaborate interview on Sparkling FM assured that he will continue his efforts towards lasting peace and security.

He expressed unhappiness that his people did not abide by earlier efforts and the support he extended to them even whilst in office.