By Our Correspondent
Tension in Obung community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, began to ease following the intervention of the council chairman, Felix Akposi.
It was gathered that the unrest, which erupted on Monday, was triggered by a mix of resource control disputes and a labour disagreement involving nine suspended community members.
The situation escalated when the aggrieved workers allegedly attempted to force their way back into the Akamkpa Quarry, leading to a confrontation that claimed one life and sparked reprisal attacks, including the burning of the palace of Ntufam Ignatius Enoh and the home of the quarry’s Community Liaison Officer, Enoh Enoh Monor.
Speaking at the Obung village square after a series of security briefings, on Tuesday, Akposi condemned the violence as “barbaric” and “unacceptable,” warning that no meaningful development could take place amid chaos.
“I appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue, patience, and mutual respect. Violence will only take us backwards,” the chairman said.
Akposi revealed that he was first alerted to the crisis through distress calls from residents, followed by a call from Governor Bassey Otu, who indicated plans to visit the scene. However, intelligence from Divisional Police Officer Supol Ini suggested the situation was under control, prompting the chairman to conduct an early-morning on-the-spot assessment instead.
The chairman met with security agencies, including Captain Malliard’s military unit, as well as the traditional leadership of Obung. The village head, Ntufam Edwin Ogar Njah, apologised for the attack on police officers and pledged the community’s commitment to peace, while Assistant Community Secretary Mr. Mbey Paulinus echoed calls for reconciliation.
At the Akamkpa Quarry, Base Manager Mr. Yoginder Singh dismissed rumours of corporate neglect, claiming the company had fulfilled more than 80 per cent of its Corporate Social Responsibility projects, with road construction scheduled for the dry season.
In a bid to restore normalcy, Akposi ordered the immediate resumption of quarry operations, instructed both the community and the company to submit formal grievances within 12 hours, and urged the suspended workers to await a peaceful resolution. He also called on the state government to set up a panel of enquiry into the crisis and maintain a steady security presence in Obung.
