AKAMKPA – Tensions that have simmered since last year erupted into violence yesterday evening in Iko Esai Community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving one person dead and several injured in a clash between rival youth factions.
According to community sources, the crisis began during celebrations held by the faction loyal to the newly selected Village Head, Chief Ofot Elijah Okun—a leader yet to receive formal recognition from the state government.
The gathering, held to mark the election of a new youth president (whose name has not been disclosed), quickly deteriorated when members of the rival faction, known locally as the “we don’t want again” group, expressed their anger.
One community source disclosed that, “Yesterday, our new village chief group elected a youth president; there was jubilation in the village. The other youths from the group got angry and shot one of our own, Christian Esiri, who is popularly called Egina. He died immediately.”
The source further explained that the ensuing conflict forced many residents to flee: “Our youths came to fight them, they all ran away and the angry youths started burning houses. We all ran and left the village with our families. Some people are hiding in the bush, some ran to nearby communities, Agoi Ibami. As I speak with you, we are in Iko Ikperem community for safety.”
Another resident, Savior Arong, who escaped with his family around 2:00 a.m., described the long-standing enmity between the factions. “The two factions have been fighting over the years, with numerous police and court cases. This time, one of them shot someone from the other camp, and that is what led to the crisis. Houses have been razed; the community people have all run out for the safety of their lives.”
Adding to the community’s strife, divisions have emerged over loyalties to the competing village leadership. “The community is divided because some persons support one side while others back the new fellow, Chief Ofot Elijah Okun. I think sometime in November, they formerly came together as the community now recognised the new guy, but the government has not yet handed over the certificate of recognition. There are even accusations that he is selling the community forest,” the source noted.
Attempts to obtain comment from state officials were met with silence. When contacted, the Cross River State Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono (Rtd), declined to comment on the incident.
The violent episode underscores deep-seated divisions within the Iko Esai Community, raising concerns over the stability and future of local governance.
As displaced residents seek refuge in neighbouring areas, local authorities are under mounting pressure to restore peace and address the longstanding issues that have fueled factional discord.
