Four suspected Fulani herdsmen are feared dead in a clash when they allegedly attempted to invade the Mbiabong Ito Community in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State.
A source in the area said the herdsmen in their numbers had attempted to enter the community with a large herd of cattle on Tuesday night, but were resisted by the community people.
According to the source, the herdsmen, who were armed, started shooting, but the community people did not back down and attacked them leading to the death of four of the cattle rearers.
It was gathered that the herdsmen retreated and returned with some soldiers to help them get back their cattle, which had scattered as a result of the clash.
According to the source the soldiers came in and were firing sporadically and the villagers had to flee their homes.
“The situation created panic and most of the villagers had to escape into the bush. Most of them are yet to return as we speak as they are afraid for their lives,” the source said.
Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said policemen had been deployed to the area and calm restored.
She did not confirm if it was a Fulani herdsmen invasion. She said they learnt of disturbances in the area and had to deploy men to ensure that there is calm.
She also did not confirm the fatalities.
“We have heard about it and right now we have sent men to the area and the area is calm. It is not a bad situation. There are men on ground to make sure nothing happens. We have not been able to confirm yet. That is what we heard,” she said.
She said she was going to get back to our reporter if she got confirmation but did not until press time.
Courtesy: THE NATION
They should keep their unruly attitude to the north alone oh, spreading to take over southeast, South south region is calling for war as they will retaliate and not spare them, enough is enough.
It’s becoming difficult for one to be free in his own home. This set of human beings should be put in check. Enough is enough!!