The Chairman of Ofutop Traditional Rulers Council in Ikom LGA, HRH Atun Bassey Okey, has raised the alarm over his personal safety as he confirmed that two of his subjects have been beheaded.
Three days ago, clashes resumed between four communities in Ikom LGA namely Ekukunela, Alesi, Agbragba and Okosoro against other border communities of Ochon, Odung and Okom in neighbouring Obubra LGA over boundary disputes and encroachments.
Findings show that the deadly crises first erupted in 2016, continued in 2022 and resumed in a week ago in 2025.
The traditional ruler, Okey said, “We have lost, at least, five persons from my communities in this renewed hostility. Two were brutally beheaded. Others were cooked and chewed as meat. The video recorded by the other communities is available for sighting.
“Even my own personal safety is at stake due to the high insecurity and direct threats to my person.”
He disclosed that much of the killings are done in the bushes where the Mbembe people laid ambush against their rivals.
“They hide in the bushes and launch attacks, abducting and butchering our people.”
To defend themselves, the youths of Ofutop clan are mounting surveillance across the 13 villages of Ofutop clan, the traditional ruler said.
Speaking for the Mbembe people of Obubra LGA, a man who gave his name as Chief Mbe Peter said the Ofutop people are settlers who are claiming their ancestral lands.
He said, “We’ve been under attack by the Ofutop people. We appeal to the security agencies and state government to come to our aid from these people who’ve killing us and laying claim to our ancestral lands.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey, summoned leaders of the warring communities few weeks ago in a bid to resolve the bitter and lingering crises
He directed that both parties should engage surveyors of their own choice to demarcate the disputed lands and boundaries since they disagreed with an earlier surveyors’ report as lopsided.
“My people had to reject that report. In spite of historical land documents and maps drawn by colonial district officers submitted to government, the report was skewed in favour of the Okon and Mbembe people. Seeing injustice, my people rejected it.
“Government had to summon us back to Calabar where they ordered for a fresh surveying,” Okey said.
The traditional ruler has prayed for peace, appealing that the government should amicably strengthen the boundaries.
The deputy PRO of the state police command, Igri Ewa as well as the state security adviser, Major General Obono Ubi (rtd) were not ready to react to the development.
