Tension erupted in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State after a dispute involving the alleged seizure of minerals from a young miner escalated into a violent confrontation between community youths and security personnel.
The incident reportedly began when a 25-year-old miner, identified as Ibrahim Musa, who deals in tin ore in Ekuri area, was allegedly assaulted by youths at a checkpoint in the disputed zone between Isabang and Alesi communities. Sources said the youths also confiscated minerals he had mined.
Musa was said to have reported the incident to soldiers stationed at Edor Barracks near Ochon, prompting troops to move into the area to arrest suspects allegedly linked to the attack.
However, residents said the situation escalated when some youths reportedly blocked the access road into the community to prevent the arrest, leading to a confrontation with the soldiers.
During the ensuing clash, gunshots were reportedly fired, leaving at least four persons injured. Two of the victims, identified as Christopher Agara, 27, and Ogobi Egbe, 30, were said to have sustained gunshot wounds, while two others were reportedly taken away for traditional treatment.
Authorities later confirmed that security personnel were deployed to the affected communities to restore order after the violence.
The Cross River State Police Command said preliminary information indicated that the crisis stemmed from the disagreement between the miner and some youths at the checkpoint.
Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said security personnel had since been mobilised to the area while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
According to him, the command was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace returns to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have continued operations in the general area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
Community leaders in the area also called for restraint among youths, warning that unresolved disputes and mob actions could further escalate tensions in the already fragile communities.
