News
More than 200 families, Village Head flee homes in Cross River community
The village head of Odonget community, Richard Ahim Ayan, has raised alarm over an alleged military invasion in Obubra LGA of Cross River State.
The village head of Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Chief Richard Ahim Ayan, and other community leaders have raised alarm over an alleged military invasion of their village, which they say has left families displaced and several residents missing.
The traditional ruler and many villagers were reportedly forced to flee into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities following the operation, which residents said occurred around 1 a.m. last Thursday.
According to locals, soldiers from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stormed the community after a dispute involving illegal miners operating in the area.
The miners were allegedly asked by community vigilantes to pay a levy of N1,000 each before transporting mined stones through the village.
Residents claimed the military operation resulted in widespread destruction, with more than 50 houses, including the residence of the village head, reportedly burnt.
Community sources further alleged that some villagers were killed, others arrested, while over 200 women, elderly persons and children fled the area in search of safety.
A youth leader, Amos Agim, who is currently taking refuge in nearby Iyamoyom, said the village has been deserted, alleging that more than 500 armed soldiers are occupying the community.
However, the Nigerian Army has denied reports of mass killings.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, said only four civilians and one soldier lost their lives during the confrontation.
He explained that the incident followed an alleged ambush by armed youths on troops, which prompted reinforcements from the 245 Battalion.
Authorities have yet to provide further details as tensions remain high in the area.
Follow Us on Google Discover
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
Nigerians, foreign nationals nabbed over illegal mining in Nasarawa
My husband suffering political prosecution – El-Rufai’s wife Asia reports husband’s detention to international community
Kebbi 2027: ADC Guber candidate Abubakar Malami names Musa Zagi as running mate
Suspected bandits kill 13 in fresh attacks on Sokoto communities
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
Mary Habila had a boyfriend but was like a daughter to me; before her death, she had a nosebleed, Umahi says
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
BREAKING: Abducted principal, NECO official, students rescued – Kogi Govt
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
Hawking, preaching in buses to attract ₦50,000 fine — Senate
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
