By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – There has been tension in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State following a clash between a miner and community youths.
Converseer gathered that the incident which started on Thursday, 12 March 2026, has claimed several lives and injured many – including security operatives.
According to a preliminary police report, the incident followed a dispute between a miner, Ibrahim Musa, and some community youths at a checkpoint within the disputed area between the Isabang and Alesi communities of Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas.
The report said the youths assaulted Musa and collected his mined minerals, prompting him to report the incident to the Nigerian Army.
“Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed a dispute between a miner, Ibrahim Musa, and some community youths at a checkpoint within the disputed area between Isabang and Alesi communities. The miner was allegedly assaulted and his mined minerals seized, after which he reported the matter to soldiers stationed around Ochon.
“In the course of attempting to arrest the suspects, some youths reportedly resisted and blocked the access road, leading to a confrontation during which four persons were shot,” a statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Police Command, said.
The statement added, “We have deployed our personnel and tactical teams to the area, and normalcy has been restored.
“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Command is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace in the affected communities.”
Meanwhile, a statement released by 13 Brigade Nigerian Army disclosed that unknown armed suspects ambushed soldiers who went to settle the dispute at Odonget Community in Obubra, leading to the death of four and injury to several others, including a soldier.
According to the statement, signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, “The incident occurred on 12 March 2026 when troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible information regarding rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget Community. Acting swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the troops mobilised to the area where they conducted patrols and a show of force, which helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy between the concerned parties.
“However, while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the situation, the troops discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons. During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
“Following a contact report from the troops on ground, reinforcements from 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack. The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush.
“Regrettably, one soldier sustained injuries and was promptly evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra LGA, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised four of the armed attackers, while several others escaped. Read more about that story HERE.
Converseer reports that the Cross River State Government under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has banned illegal mining across the state. Read more about the ban HERE.
