Law enforcement officials in Calabar successfully liberated 10 individuals held captive in the Ijegwu community, located within the Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. This rescue occurred amidst escalating friction between residents of Cross River and the nearby Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.
The hostage situation stemmed from regional violence triggered by the death of two people in Uware Council Ward, Benue State. These fatalities were reportedly related to the lethal beating of a man accused of goat theft on June 26. Following the rescue, Ogoja Area Commander DSP Collins Ekuogu transferred the individuals to Konshisha Local Government Chairman Mr. Moses Terfa, with Yala Chairman Dr. Fred Okem and Konshisha Divisional Police Officer CSP Torinya Joe in attendance.
Authorities have requested that both communities remain calm while official investigations and autopsies proceed. Dr. Fred Okem lamented the violence, emphasizing the deep historical and economic connections between the two states, noting that those caught in the conflict were merely unfortunate bystanders. Similarly, Mr. Moses Terfa pushed for reconciliation, highlighting that the economic interdependence of both regions necessitates a return to peaceful coexistence.
