Two Soldiers Feared Dead In Cross River Youths, Security Clash

Two Soldiers Feared Dead In Cross River Youths, Security Clash.
Miner dispute reportedly triggered confrontation between youths and soldiers in Obubra.
Police deploy security teams as investigation begins in affected communities.

Two soldiers were feared dead following a violent clash between youths and security operatives in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The confrontation occurred on March 11 and reportedly involved youths from the Isabang and Alesi communities and security personnel deployed to the area. Several persons were shot during the incident, throwing the communities into panic.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that authorities confirmed that security operatives have since been deployed to the affected communities to restore calm.

Preliminary information released by the Cross River State Police Command indicated that the crisis began after a dispute involving a miner identified as Ibrahim Musa and some youths at a checkpoint located within a disputed area between the Isabang and Alesi communities.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Eitokpah Sunday, said the miner was allegedly attacked and dispossessed of his mined minerals before reporting the matter to soldiers stationed nearby.

He said, “Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed a dispute between a miner, Ibrahim Musa, and some community youths at a checkpoint within the disputed area between Isabang and Alesi communities.”

Sunday added, “The miner was allegedly assaulted and his mined minerals seized, after which he reported the matter to soldiers stationed around Ochon.”

According to the police, soldiers who moved to arrest the suspects later met resistance from youths in the community, which escalated into a confrontation.

“In the course of attempting to arrest the suspects, some youths reportedly resisted and blocked the access road, leading to a confrontation during which four persons were shot,” Sunday stated.

He disclosed that two persons were confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries during the clash.

“Two persons were shot dead, while two others sustained injuries and were taken for ‘native’ treatment,” he added.

Sunday further said there were reports suggesting that two soldiers might also have been killed during the clash, though the circumstances surrounding their deaths were still under investigation.

“There are also reports that two soldiers may have lost their lives during the incident,” he said.

Following the violence, security operatives were deployed to the affected communities to prevent further escalation.

The police spokesperson said the situation had been brought under control.

“We have deployed our personnel and tactical teams to the area, and normalcy has been restored,” he said.

Sunday added that the police were working with community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace.

Two Soldiers Feared Dead In Cross River Youths, Security Clash

“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Command is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace in the affected communities,” he stated.

He assured that more details would be made available as investigations into the incident continue.