Several social media users have shared clips and claims suggesting that youths from both communities may already be mobilising and allegedly gathering weapons for possible attacks, prompting growing concern among residents and calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and the state government.
Concerned citizens have called on Governor Bassey Otu and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately intervene and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.
However, information gathered by Boki Blog Africa remains largely unverified at the time of filing this report, as no official statement has been released by security authorities or the Cross River State Government regarding the alleged mobilisation or threat of violence.
BACKGROUND OF THE CONFLICT
The Ovonum and Ofatura communities have a history of violent communal clashes largely linked to disputed farmlands and boundary disagreements.
In 2023, renewed violence between both communities reportedly left several persons dead, hundreds displaced, and many houses destroyed after disagreements over farmland ownership allegedly triggered reprisal attacks between youths from both sides.
Reports from the period indicated that more than 300 houses were destroyed during one of the deadliest outbreaks of the crisis, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities and temporary shelters.
Community leaders, political stakeholders, and youth groups had previously appealed for peace, warning that repeated communal violence continues to affect development, security, and social stability in Obubra Local Government Area.
As of the time of this report, residents remain anxious while awaiting official clarification and possible security deployment to prevent another outbreak of violence.
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