Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Afegbua Rashid, has directed the commanders of Ikom and Obubra area commands to free the Ikom-Obubra federal highway.

Scores of restive youths in Alesi and Obubra communities in Cross River Central who have been at each other’s throats in the past week were reported to have taken over the highway.

The youths allegedly intercepted a Hilux truck transporting cocoa from Iyamitet in Obubra to Ikom.

According to eyewitnesses, the youths offloaded 22 bags of cocoa from the vehicle and set it on fire.

Deputy PRO at the state police command Calabar, Igri Ewa, said the situation was brought under control when the CP visited the scene.

“The CP has mandated the two area commanders to clear the highway and stem the violence,” he said.

Their hostility erupted on Monday when a young man from Obubra was killed at Etara, and his headless body displayed. The incident has heightened tensions along the Obubra–Ikom axis of the state.

Igri also disclosed that the CP met with security stakeholders and community leaders in Ogoja and Ikom police commanders during his familiarization tour.

“The CP has cautioned divisional police officers and area commanders to take full charge in their areas of responsibility,” he stressed.

Police mandate area commanders to dislodge restive youths from highway