Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has ordered both the state police command and other security agencies to deploy personnel to Iko Esai community in Akamkpa LGA.

This follows the killing over about 10 persons and destruction of 20 houses, vehicles, cocoa farmlands and household items.

The skirmishes are said to be a result of agitation for the control of forest resources and two brothers illegally installing themselves as paramount ruler and village chief.

Member of the State House of Assembly representing Akmkap 1, Okon Nyong Owuna, confirmed this, saying when the situation got out of hand he had to alert the governor who immediately mandated the state security adviser, Major General Obono Ubi (rtd) and Commissioner of police, Grimah Gyogon, to move in and restore peace.

Owuna disclosed that the matter was earlier tabled in the house of Assembly under matters of urgent public importance and will be heard again upcoming Thursday even as five ring leaders, including village heads and some youth leaders are being detained at the state police command and investigation ongoing.

Meanwhile, the occupying security forces have imposed dusk to dawn curfew, restricting local market activities and unauthorised meetings even though much of the Iko Esai community has been deserted after the mayhem of last week.

Speaking with journalists, Owuna said the matter which culminated in the destruction of lives and property on February 10, 2025, started since 2022.

“From my understanding, the crisis has its roots in the leasing of their forest to investors. This crisis, which started in 2022, pitched the youth leader against the village/clan head and this led to the killing of several persons.”

Owuna alleged that the youth leaders who ignited the problem in 2022, leading to a court case but later accepted Alternatice Dispute Resolution, ADR, and signed a peace agreement, are the same persons who perpetrated the ongoing mayhem.

Absolving himself of taking sides as alleged by a faction, Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Mr Felix Akposi called on the Iko Esai people to stop the mistrust and vindictiveness against themselves which have led to destruction and deaths.

Media reports claimed that five persons were feared dead but said only one person was killed.

One of the factions is reportedly loyal to the village/clan head of the troubled Iko Esai community, Chief Obio Arong Owai. The other faction is said to back Chief Elijah Okon Esira.

Unconfirmed reports say Chief Esira was crowned as new village head by the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa LGA, said to be his brother, to replace one Chief Owai who Esira’s faction said had been dethroned.

The local government chairman who has been accused of hobnobbing with a faction, has denied any involvement in the crisis.

Akposi said the crisis predates his administration which came up only four months ago whereas the issue has festered since 2022.

He reaffirmed his neutrality, commitment to due process and efforts to restore peace in the local government area.

“Sadly, from the commencement of this fracas, the Iko Esai people have demonstrated mistrust.

“Vindictiveness against one another, inconsistencies in their testimonies, incoherence and most times, telling blatant lies all fueled by personal interest.”

He urged the House of Assembly to set up a panel of inquiry to further investigate the matter and propose developmental solutions.

He disclosed to journalists that the ring leaders of the mayhem will remain in police custody till they are able to reconcile even as security agencies are continuing investigation and the Assembly is to deliberate on the matter again on Thursday.

Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of the Akamkpa Legislative Council, Patrick Aidam, alleged that the council chairman was after his life and that he forced him to resign his appointment.

At a press briefing, he alleged that his experiences with the council chairman were disheartening, having exhibited incapacity to galvanise and harmonize various interests and resources to enhance peace and security in the area.

He accused Akposi of divisive leadership.

“Today, Iko Esai is in ruins courtesy of the divisive roles played by council chairman, Akposi.

“As a result, my community has been destroyed, many killed, vehicles, cocoa farms and houses burnt even as the chairman dines with perpetrators of the heinous crimes.”

Cross River: Gov Otu orders security agencies to beef up security in restive community