Akamkpa –Violence has broken out in Obung Village, Akamkpa Local Government Area, following a dispute between the village chief and residents over alleged job cuts at Sterling Global, an Indian-owned company operating in the community NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
According to community sources, the chief of Obung, Ignatius Enoh Monoru, allegedly advised management of Sterling Global to retrench nine local workers and dismiss 20 other natives from the company’s workforce. The move reportedly sparked anger among youths in the area, who summoned the chief to explain his recommendation.
Tensions escalated when the chief was later invited to the company premises and subsequently to an Ekpe cult lodge over suspicions that he was allegedly using witchcraft to weaken the youths’ resistance to the sackings. The chief, in turn, contacted the Operation Anti-Cultism Unit of the Cross River State Police Command, claiming his life was being threatened.
Tragedy struck on Monday, when operatives of the anti-cult unit reportedly shot and killed a youth during an intervention in the community. Following the incident, enraged youths allegedly set fire to the chief’s house and those of his two children.
Reports indicate that the chief and his family have since fled the community. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Felix Akposi, has visited Obung to assess the situation. He condemned the violence and has urged the resumption of mining activities.
The Cross River State Police Command and Sterling Global are yet to issue official statements on the incident.
