Residents of Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have accused soldiers of preventing them from returning to bury relatives killed during a recent clash with troops.
The military presence in the area, involving personnel from the Nigerian Army specifically the 13 Brigade and 245 Battalion was deployed following unrest linked to alleged illegal mining activities.
Locals claim that bodies still litter parts of the community, with families unable to recover or bury their dead due to ongoing military operations.
An Odonget youth leader, Theo Abeng, alleged that he and two others attempted to return to the community to arrange burials but were fired upon by soldiers.
“The soldiers opened fire on us. One of the boys was killed and we had to flee, leaving his body behind,” he said, adding that they also saw decomposing bodies still unburied in the area.
Abeng further claimed that some soldiers were involved in illegal mining activities, accusing them of seizing mineral resources, including tin ore, from local miners.
The crisis reportedly began on March 11 after a miner, identified as Ibrahim Musa, was allegedly assaulted by youths at a checkpoint, where his minerals were also taken. The incident was said to have been reported to soldiers at the 245 Battalion, prompting military intervention.
Tensions escalated when youths blocked access roads and confronted the soldiers, leading to gunfire that left several people injured. The situation reportedly worsened after two soldiers were killed, triggering further troop deployment.
In response, the Nigerian Army said its deployment was aimed at restoring order in the area.
According to a statement by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, troops later came under ambush by unidentified gunmen and responded by neutralising four attackers, while others fled.
He maintained that the military’s intervention helped to stabilise the community and restore calm.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Major General Obono Ubi, has visited the community to assess the situation and engage with stakeholders.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over illegal mining, community clashes and military operations in parts of Cross River State, with residents calling for accountability and the safe return of normalcy.
