4 RESIDENTS KILLED, 5 POLICEMEN INJURED IN C/RIVER CRISIS

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Mr Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa has confirmed that five of his policemen have been injured in the continuing community clash at Oku-Bushhuyu in Boki LGA of Cross River State.

At least, four persons have died in the clash, according to a Boki chieftain who did not want his name in print, but Inuwa denied the allegation that there was mayhem in Okundi town over the control of vast oil palm estate controlled by very top politicians working with Gov Ben Ayade who are from the area.

The clan head of Oku-Borum-Njua, Chief Bernard Nku was said to have been manhandled and macheted, and it is doubtful that he would survive, according to sources.

Houses and vehicles have been burnt, including a house belonging to a former commissioner for local government matters, Chief Fidelis Edor.

The  intervention of chairman of Boki socio-cultural group and UN ambassador for human rights in Africa, Major General Moses Obi (rtd) whose home town is the battle ground, saved the police vehicles that were about to be burnt and other houses.  He had mobilised security agencies to calm the crisis.

The secretary to the state government, Barrister Tina Agbor who was accused of having a hand in the crisis has denied it. She mobilised policemen to intervene and said she would address a press conference on the mayhem at her own time.