The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Afegbua Rashid, has ordered security commanders in Ikom and Obubra to clear the federal highway linking the two communities after violent clashes disrupted movement in the area.
Restive youths from Alesi and Obubra communities in Cross River Central reportedly seized control of the highway following a week of hostilities. The unrest escalated when youths allegedly intercepted a Hilux truck transporting cocoa from Iyamitet in Obubra to Ikom. Eyewitnesses said they offloaded 22 bags of cocoa from the vehicle and set it ablaze.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Igri Ewa, confirmed that the situation was contained after the Commissioner of Police visited the scene.
“The CP has mandated the two area commanders to clear the highway and stem the violence,” Ewa said.
Tensions flared earlier in the week after a young man from Obubra was reportedly killed in Etara, with his headless body displayed publicly. The incident deepened animosity between the two communities and triggered fresh confrontations.
During his tour of Ogoja and Ikom, CP Rashid also held meetings with security stakeholders and community leaders aimed at restoring calm.
According to Ewa, the police chief cautioned divisional police officers and area commanders to “take full charge in their areas of responsibility” to prevent further escalation of violence.
The Ikom-Obubra highway remains a critical route for trade and transport in Cross River State, particularly for agricultural produce like cocoa.
