Invaders kill three in Cross River

It was a bleak Easter season for Odukpani Qua Clan, as three persons were feared dead on Friday night, following an attack on the community by unknown invaders.

The attack is, however, suspected to be a reprisal attack by persons suspected to be from New Netim community also of Odukpani Local Government, Cross River State.

In 2016, the Odukpani Qua Clan had a bloody communal clash with its neighbours in New Netim, leading to loss of lives.

After the crisis, New Netim remained deserted, while Odukpani Qua people returned and continued with their normal life, until Friday night, when invaders attacked in a suspected reprisal attack, with three persons dead, many others injured and houses destroyed.

An eyewitness, Effiong Edet, said the assailants came late in the night in three buses, with the front of their buses covered with Deeper Life Bible Church banner to divert attention, as the church was holding an Easter convention in Odukpani at the time of attack.

He said: “They arrived at about 10pm, shooting recklessly, with several persons scampering for safety, while some others remained in-doors.”

The attack was said to have lasted about 70 minutes before the invaders drove away heading towards the highway leading to the Odukpani junction area without any resistance.  

The Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, could not confirm the incident.