At least 10 more lives were lost on Monday in the raging communal war between Biakpan and Etono, two communities in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Sources in both communities confirmed that the latest round of violence began early Monday when four Biakpan youths, including a local gang leader identified as their “Capone,” were reportedly killed in an ambush in Etono.

The killing sparked a reprisal attack the following day, with Biakpan youths allegedly storming Etono and killing at least six mercenaries said to have been hired by the Etono community.

A resident of Biakpan, who identified himself only as Egwu, accused the Etono side of provoking the violence by attacking farmers and women and attempting to burn strategic structures in Biakpan.

“Etono people are paying mercenaries hefty sums to fight for them. They’ve stockpiled heavy weapons, but we’re equal to the task,” he alleged.

On the other hand, an Etono source, Jackson Okpo, claimed Biakpan fighters had “eliminated a significant number” of their warriors, including women, and accused them of trying to dominate the land.

“We’ve suffered so much oppression from Biakpan. They’ve seized our lands because they think they have more people, resources, and weapons,” Okpo said.

Legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Onun Mba Ukweni, clarified that the longstanding land dispute between both communities had been settled in favour of Biakpan by the Supreme Court many years ago.

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the escalation of the conflict.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Igri Ewa, stated that Commissioner of Police, Rasheed Afegbua, has summoned the traditional rulers of both communities to a peace meeting in Calabar on Friday. He added that security has been reinforced in the area to curb further violence.

Former Commissioner of Police, Segun Omosanyin, had also previously held peace talks with community leaders alongside Biase Local Council Chairman, Edodi Eyong Edodi.

Plans for a disarmament exercise were discussed but never implemented. (The Guardian)