Residents displaced from Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, have accused troops of the Nigerian Army of preventing them from returning to bury relatives killed during a recent clash.
The soldiers, drawn from the 13 Brigade and the 245 Battalion in Edor Barracks, were deployed to the area following unrest linked to illegal mining activities.
Locals claim that several bodies remain in the community days after the violence, with families unable to retrieve or bury their dead. A youth leader from Odonget, Theo Abeng, alleged that attempts to re-enter the village were met with gunfire.
According to him, he and two others tried to access the community from neighbouring Ochon village to arrange burials but were attacked by soldiers, resulting in the death of one of the individuals.
Abeng also claimed that troops have maintained a heavy presence in the area, carrying out continuous patrols. He further alleged that some soldiers were involved in illegal mining activities, accusing them of confiscating minerals from local miners.
The crisis reportedly began on March 11 following an altercation between youths and a miner identified as Ibrahim Musa, whose minerals were allegedly seized at a checkpoint. The miner was said to have reported the incident to soldiers stationed nearby, prompting a military response.
Tensions escalated when youths reportedly blocked access roads and confronted the troops, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left several people injured. The situation deteriorated further after two soldiers were reportedly killed, triggering reinforcement of military presence in the area.
However, the Nigerian Army has maintained that its deployment was aimed at restoring order. In an earlier statement, a military spokesperson said troops were ambushed by unidentified gunmen after leaving the community, forcing them to respond. The army added that several attackers were neutralised during the encounter.
Authorities insist that the military presence has helped stabilise the area, though residents continue to express concern over restricted access and the inability to conduct burials for those killed in the violence.
A representative of the state government has also visited the area as efforts continue to address the situation and ease tensions within the affected community.
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