By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Nigerian Army has taken over Boje and Isobendighe communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State following a renewed communal clash that has reportedly claimed at least two lives.
The Information Officer of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Major Yemi Sokoya, said troops deployed to the affected communities discovered two corpses in a forest during a search operation.
According to him, soldiers also recovered a rifle near the bodies.
The communal crisis resurfaced about two weeks ago, resulting in the destruction of lives and property, although the immediate cause of the latest confrontation could not be established.
Sokoya said the soldiers would remain in the two communities until the tension subsided and normalcy returned.
«“The soldiers won’t be there forever. Once the situation is resolved and calm returns, the soldiers will be ordered to leave,” he said.»
The Chairman of Boki LGA, Eti-Eka Beatrice Nyiam, also confirmed that both soldiers and policemen had been deployed to the communities to restore peace.
Similarly, the Cross River State Police Command said it had intensified security measures to contain the renewed tension.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said in a statement issued at the weekend that the command was engaging relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the situation and foster peace.
He said, “The area is currently relatively calm, while security personnel continue to monitor developments closely.
“The Command urges residents of both communities to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation.”
