By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Etono II Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State has strongly denied allegations that its members were responsible for setting fire to the New Jerusalem building belonging to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), located near Biakpan Community.
The community’s position was contained in a statement issued and signed by Prince Enene Eke on behalf of the Concerned People of Etono II Community. The statement described the allegations by the Biakpan Community as “false, malicious and aimed at misleading the public.”
According to the statement, the New Jerusalem building, which the Etono II Community described as “illegally built on Etono II land,” was under the control of armed Biakpan youths and paid security personnel at the time of the incident.
“For the past six months, beginning from 31st March 2025, no single person from Etono II has gone near the said New Jerusalem area due to persistent threats to life and hostile activities of Biakpan people, who have mounted roadblocks along that route,” the statement said.
Etono II alleged that the accusation was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from claims that individuals paid to guard the building had allegedly broken into its tithe box and carted away a large sum of money.
The community recounted a recent incident on 1st October 2025, when a female visitor heading to Etono II was reportedly stopped at a Biakpan youth checkpoint near the building. She was allegedly taken to Biakpan and forced to pay ₦100,000 before she was released.
Similarly, on 22nd May 2025, youths from Ikun bringing food items for Etono II residents were allegedly intercepted at the same checkpoint and the goods seized by armed Biakpan youths.
“These incidents clearly show that Biakpan people have maintained full control of the route and surroundings of the New Jerusalem building,” the statement noted.
Etono II further highlighted that security personnel, including Biakpan youths armed with sophisticated weapons, had been stationed around the building. It added that security operatives deployed by the Biase Local Government Chairman were also positioned less than 0.3 kilometres from the building.
“Given these facts, how is it possible that the building suddenly caught fire under such tight security presence? Where were the Biakpan security guards when the incident occurred? Why should Etono II people—who have not had access to that area for months—be accused of a crime they could not possibly have committed?” the community questioned.
The statement also recalled a previous incident in which a youth identified as Mr Ogarekpe was allegedly captured on his farm by Biakpan youths, shot, inflicted with machete cuts, and later killed, despite being presented to the police as one of their own.
Etono II accused Biakpan of fabricating stories in the past and said the latest claim was aimed at swaying public sympathy and turning government agencies against their community.
“For over six months now, our people have endured a total halt in socio-economic activities, leading to severe hunger, deteriorating living conditions, and complete isolation from the outside world,” the statement added.
The community called on the Biase Local Government Authority, the Cross River State Government, and security agencies to investigate the Biakpan youths securing the building and identify those responsible for the fire.
Etono II reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue, urging the public to disregard the allegations and support efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the area.
