’Remove Soldiers From Nko Community’, Leaders Beg Army

 By Ita Akpan

Calabar  

Sequel to the current communal clashes between the Nko and Onyedema community of Yakurr local government council of Cross River that has resulted in the loss of lives and properties worth millions of naira.

The elders of the Nko community led by Dr. Akpama M Akpama have appealed to the Army High command to remove soldiers who are currently cordoned off the entire community which has caused deaths and untold hardship to the people.

Dr. Akpama gave the appeal on Wednesday 29th June 2023 at the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Calabar during a media briefing.

He called on the Army authority to without further delay order the withdrawal of the army presence from the community to make a way for peaceful resolution of the land crisis.

The statement reads in part, “While we appreciate the intervention of the State Government and security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army on the conflict between our community, Nko, and Onyedama community we disagree with the way the crisis is being managed by the Army. Their approach is unethical and unprofessional”

“While we also support every responsible and meaningful effort toward maintaining lasting peace in the area we called on the State Government and the Military Authority to stop the raid in the Nko community”

He said the people of the Nko community are in full support of the government taking over the parcel of land in question.

“We welcome the decision of the state government to take over the parcel of land, we advise that government should take adequate use of the said parcel Of land by using the land effectively so that further crises will not arise”

The group similarly stresses that they are not in a position to challenge the government over the matter, therefore, calling on the Army to move away from the community and station within the boundaries of both communities.

“While we are not challenging the authority of government, it is our candid opinion that the soldiers be stationed at both boundaries between the two communities as our community is under siege” Dr. Akpama stressed.

On his part, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, former minister of Niger Delta Affairs who accompanied the group also urged the journalists to always remain objective in their reportage and not to hit the situation.

His words, “It is good at times like this to interrogate objectives so that the truth can also help you and me”

The group also use the chance to advance authorities’ concerns to take urgent steps to address the situation as their children, can no longer attend school.

“We, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to call on international organizations, Human Rights Activists, NGOs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as NEMA, SEMA, and other bodies to come to our aid. We are crying aloud” the statement reads.