Following the shooting of six military personnel by youths, during the Communal Crisis between the Nko and Oyadama communities, the Cross River State Government has announced the immediate dethronement and de-certification of the Obol Lopon of Nko, Obol Etim Ayomobi, in Yakurr and the Clan Head of Oyadama, Ovat Vincent Erena, in Obubra Local Government Areas of the state.
In a press statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Linus Obogo, said that the government also sacked all other village chiefs in the two warring communities of Nko and Oyadama.
The government, further announced the taking over of the ownership of the disputed land until those behind the shooting of army officers are produced by the traditional rulers involved.
The statement said the dethronement and de-certification of the two monarchs was a result of the intractable communal clashes and killing of innocent people over the disputed land.
According to the release, the ownership of the disputed land has been revoked and taken over by the state government, for overriding public interest.
Nko and Oyadama communities have been engaged in a communal war over a piece of land, leading to reprisal attacks in recent times.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
