Residents displaced from Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have accused troops of preventing them from returning to bury relatives killed during a recent violent clash with security forces.
The soldiers, reportedly drawn from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the 245 Battalion at Edor Barracks, were deployed following unrest linked to illegal mining activities in the area.
Locals allege that several bodies remain in parts of the community, decomposing due to restricted access. A youth leader from Odonget, Theo Abeng, speaking from nearby Ochon village, claimed that attempts to re-enter the community for burial arrangements were met with gunfire.
“Troops opened fire on us during our return. One person was killed, and we had to retreat, leaving his body behind. We also saw corpses from last week still lying unattended,” he alleged.
Residents further claimed that security operatives have maintained a heavy presence in the area, with continuous patrols. Abeng also accused some soldiers of involvement in illegal mining, alleging that valuable minerals, including tin ore, were confiscated from miners, many of whom were said to be from northern Nigeria.
The crisis reportedly began on March 11 after a miner, Ibrahim Musa, was allegedly assaulted by local youths at a checkpoint, where his minerals were seized. Sources indicate that the miner reported the incident to soldiers at the 245 Battalion, prompting a military response to arrest those involved.
Tensions escalated when youths reportedly blocked access routes and confronted the troops, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left several people injured. The situation further deteriorated following the reported killing of two soldiers, which led to reinforcement of military presence in the community.
In response, the Nigerian Army maintained that its deployment was aimed at restoring order. In a statement issued on March 12, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 13 Brigade, Yemi Sokoya, described the operation as a stabilisation effort.
According to Sokoya, troops were later ambushed by unidentified gunmen after leaving the area, prompting a counter-operation. “During the engagement, troops neutralised four of the armed attackers, while others fled,” he stated.
He added that the military’s show of force had helped to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by Obono Ubi, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu, recently visited the affected community as part of efforts to assess the situation.
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