Cross River CP Orders Community Leaders to Disarm Youths Amid Renewed Land Dispute

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Mr. Afegbua Rashid, has issued a firm directive to traditional leaders and community heads of Etono 2 and Biakpan to immediately disarm their violent youths, following renewed clashes over land ownership.

The resurgence of hostilities between the two communities, located in Biase Local Government Area, has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property since March 2025.

Speaking to journalists on Monday morning, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Mr. Igri Ewa, confirmed that the CP met with community leaders over the weekend at his office on Diamond Hill, Calabar.

According to Ewa, the directive extends beyond Biakpan and Etono 2 to other conflict-prone communities across the state.

“The CP summoned the Chairman of Biase LGA, Mr. Edodi Eyong, along with other local leaders and traditional chiefs from both communities,” Ewa stated. “He instructed them to return home, engage with their youths, and immediately begin the process of disarmament. He made it clear that failure to comply would result in serious consequences, including the enforcement of peace through official means.”

This warning follows a similar one issued last week by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, who cautioned LGA chairmen that they could face suspension if they fail to restore peace in their respective areas.

It’s worth noting that the previous Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, had also summoned the same community leaders and instructed them to undertake disarmament measures.

Reports from local sources suggest that both Etono 2 and Biakpan communities have been stockpiling weapons, with allegations that age-grade groups have been levied to contribute ₦1 million every three months for the purchase of arms.