By Frank Ulom
AKAMKPA (CONVERSEER) – An Avoidable crisis has led to the killing of one person at the Akamkpa Quarry site in Obung Community, Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State.
The unrest which erupted on Monday, 11th August 2025, also left several properties destroyed, police officers injured, and quarry operations grounded.
Converseer learned that the unrest stemmed from a combination of resource control disputes and an unresolved labour issue involving nine community members who had been suspended from work.
These workers, according to sources allegedly attempted to force their way back into the quarry by barricading its entrance, sparking a confrontation that tragically resulted in the death of one person.
“Anger over the death, compounded by tensions over resource control, quickly escalated into full-blown violence leading to the burning of the palace of Ntufam Ignatius Enoh and the home of Enoh Enoh Monor, the Community Liaison Officer to the quarry,” a source familiar with the unrest said.
Visiting the community and quarry site on Tuesday, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Felix Akposi, condemned in strong terms the violence that claims a life and destruction of properties worth several millions.
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In a series of engagements with security agencies, community leaders, and management of the Akamkpa Quarry, Akposi said: “The barbaric acts, wanton destruction, and violence we have witnessed in Obung are completely unacceptable.
“No meaningful development can thrive amidst chaos, bitterness, and violence. We must give room for reason,” he declared at the village square.
The Chairman, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Daniel Agbor, on Wednesday, revealed that he was first alerted to the crisis through a distress call from community members, followed by a call from Governor Bassey Otu, who expressed his intention to visit the community that same night.
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However, intelligence from the Divisional Police Officer, Supol Ini, indicated that the situation was under control, therefore, making a late-night intervention unnecessary.
Akposi first held a security briefing at the Police Division in Akamkpa Urban with the DPO and the Military Unit led by Captain Malliard, before proceeding to Obung to meet directly with the people.
At the meeting, the Traditional Village Head, Ntufam Edwin Ogar Njah, expressed regret over the events and assured the Chairman of the community’s commitment to peace.
“We appreciate your prompt response, Chairman,” Ntufam Njah said, adding, “On behalf of the community, we apologise to the police officers who were attacked. We will make a formal apology without delay.”
The Assistant Community Secretary, Mbey Paulinus, echoed this sentiment, adding that the community was willing to work towards reconciliation.
“We must put this behind us and embrace peace. Violence has done nothing but harm our progress,” Paulinus stated.
The Chairman also visited the Akamkpa Quarry to discuss the crisis with the Base Manager, Yoginder Singh. Addressing widespread rumours of neglect, Singh defended the company’s record on community obligations.
“Contrary to speculation, we have delivered over 80% of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments,” Singh explained, stressing that, “The only pending project is the road, which we have scheduled to begin in the dry season.”
Paulinus corroborated this claim, noting that most CSR projects were indeed ongoing.
Consequently, in his bid to restore normalcy, Akposi issued several directives, including the immediate resumption of quarry operations, submission of formal written grievances by both parties within 12 hours, and an appeal to the suspended workers to exercise patience pending a resolution.
The Chairman also called for the constitution of a State Government Panel of Enquiry to investigate both the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, and for a sustained security presence in the community to prevent reprisals.
“Disputes must be resolved through dialogue, patience, and mutual respect—not through violence. The cooperation of all stakeholders will be critical in rebuilding trust and ensuring lasting peace,” Akposi stressed.
