Land dispute tears Delta communities apart, citizens relocating for fear of attack

Communal war between Ediba and Usumutong in Abi local government area of Cross River has continued unabated. The latest was the killing of one Pastor John in Ediba and the bombing of the residence of a police officer, also in Ediba, by people suspected to be from Usumutong.
These actions, an eyewitness told DAILY POST have heightened tension and put both communities on an ignoble war path, just like sources in the area insist that the killing and attack in Ediba were a reprisal for the consistent attacks the Ediba people have carried out on the Usumutong community.

DAILY POST gathered that there was palpable tension in both communities as the drums of war beat louder with a build-up of arms and men presently going on. Most families in both communities our investigations revealed, have moved to neighbouring communities to seek shelter, while sources hinted that several indigenes of both communities are getting set for a bloody clash.
Ms Irene Ugbo, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO has confirmed the problems in the area, saying that the police high command in the state was yet to be informed officially but promised that the police will work within the next 24 hours to put down the conflict.
The two communities had before now being on each other’s throats, killing and maiming people over a disputed land.
“Both communities initially fought over a contentious parcel of land, early last year and have since gone on to unleash mayhem on each other,” our source hinted.

Last weekend, the two sister communities, (Ediba and Usumutong) in Abi local government area of Cross River State clashed and more than ten persons were allegedly murdered, while property worth several thousands of Naira were destroyed.
A member representing the central senatorial district in the Senate, Hon John Owan Enoh appealed to the warring communities to sheath their swords. In a statement made available to our correspondent, Hon Enoh said, “It Is with pain in my heart that I learnt of another round of bloodletting between the people of Ediba and Usumutong communities both of Abi LGA of the central senatorial district, CRS”
He lamented that, “This carnage and wide spread destruction which I was informed claimed the precious lives of our people coming at this point when our peacemaking effort had seemingly begun to work is an unfortunate setback. In spite of this, my belief in the sanctity of human life and the right of our people to peaceful coexistence remains unshakable”
He noted, “It is in the light of above, that I unreservedly condemn this latest round of hostilities and urgently call on the warring communities to sheath their swords, embrace the course of peace, and refrain from all actions capable of leading to the further breakdown of law and order”.

“Our people are diminished each time we call on the base instincts in us. It is therefore with a sense of urgency that I call on all the warring communities to toe the path of peace and explore all remedies within the confines of the law in pursuit and defence of their rights” he appealed.
The Hon Member who regretted the incident called on the security agencies to come to the aid of the innocent people, “Let me use this opportunity to once again call on both the security agencies to secure the affected areas as well as the concerned royal fathers to use their exalted positions to promote peace at all times in their domains”.