Soldiers block Obubra LG chairman’s access to troubled Cross River community

Troops of the Nigerian Army person barred the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Kingsley Arikpo, from accessing Odonget assemblage pursuing a deadly clash linked to amerciable mining activities.

The soldiers, drawn from 13 Brigade and 245 Battalion, Edor Barracks successful Ikom, are presently occupying the assemblage aft unit erupted betwixt section youths and suspected amerciable miners.

The involution reportedly led to a confrontation betwixt the troops and the youths, during which 2 soldiers were said to person been killed, portion 4 locals besides mislaid their lives and respective others sustained injuries.

The situation has forced residents to fly into adjacent communities, including Ochon, Iyamoyom and Alesi, since March 11, 2026.

Displaced residents person besides alleged that they person been denied entree to the community, adjacent to retrieve oregon hide relatives killed during the violence.

Confirming the development, Arikpo said attempts to sojourn Odonget successful his authoritative capableness were rebuffed by the soldiers.

“I attempted to entree the colony arsenic president of the council, but the soldiers disallowed me,” helium said.

He added that helium lone gained introduction to the country erstwhile helium accompanied a retired elder subject officer, Major General Obono Ubi, who presently serves arsenic Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu.

Arikpo described the concern arsenic tense, noting that troops remain...