Soldiers Clash With Youth Over Tin Ore In C’River Community

Adebayo Obajemu 

Four youths  are reportedly  injured in a clash involving the youths of Obubra in Cross River State and security personnel stationed at Edor Barracks  close to Ochon over alleged impounding of tin ore from a young miner in the area.

The incident   allegedly started when a 25-year-old miner, identified as Ibrahim Musa, who deals in tin ore in Ekuri area, was  reportedly attacked allegedly by youths at a checkpoint in the disputed zone between Isabang and Alesi communities.

Sources  noted that  the youths also seized  minerals he had mined.

Musa allegedly  reported the incident to soldiers stationed at Edor Barracks near Ochon, prompting troops to move into the area to arrest suspects allegedly linked to the attack.

However, residents said the situation escalated into a violent confrontation between community youths and the soldiers when some youths blocked the access road into the community to prevent any arrest.

During the ensuing clash, gunshots were reportedly fired, leaving at least four persons injured.

Two of the victims, identified as Christopher Agara, 27, and Ogobi Egbe, 30, sustained gunshot wounds, while two others were reportedly taken away for traditional treatment.

 Security personnel were immediately deployed to the affected communities to prevent further escalation and to restore order after the violence.

Cross River State Police Command said preliminary information indicated that the crisis stemmed from the disagreement between the miner and some youths at the checkpoint.

Spokesperson for the command, Eitokpah Sunday, said security personnel had since been mobilised to the area while investigation into the incident were ongoing.

According to him, the command was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace returns to the affected communities.

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have continued operations in the general area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

Community leaders in the area also called for restraint among youths, warning that unresolved disputes and mob actions could further escalate tensionsl in the already fragile communities.