The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has deployed troops and Mobile Police personnel to Odot Uyi community in Odukpani Local Government Area following an escalation of a chieftaincy crisis that has led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Police sources confirmed that the crisis, which intensified on February 2, 2026, resulted in the killing of two persons and the burning of houses In the community. The violence is linked to a long-running dispute over the position of Village Head of Odot Uyi.

According to the sources, the Village Head’s residence was set ablaze during the unrest, with properties valued at millions of naira destroyed.

Officers from the Odukpani Division, alongside a tactical police team and Mobile Police personnel, were immediately deployed to restore order.

On arrival, the police reportedly found the community deserted, with residents having fled, leaving only livestock behind. However, during a combing operation of the village and its surroundings, Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the Village Head-elect, was arrested. He had been accused by some villagers of fraudulent dealings involving community funds.

Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, who was initially on the run, was also arrested, while the clan head of the village remains at large.

Police intelligence further revealed that three persons were allegedly killed during the crisis. Those named include Edem Ekpo Nyong, 30, and Ekpo Ekpo Nyong, 26, who were reportedly murdered by one Okon Usanga, described as a factional leader opposed to the Village Head. Okon Usanga was also said to have been killed during the violence. However, police sources stated that no corpses were recovered from the scene.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said the command was aware of the development. He disclosed that two suspects had been arrested, while another key suspect, identified as the Village Head, was still on the run.

Akata added that investigations were ongoing to determine the root causes of the crisis, noting that, as of press time, the entire community remained deserted. (The Nation)

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