Soldiers block Obubra LG chairman’s access to troubled Cross River community

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Following a fatal confrontation associated with illicit mining operations, Nigerian Army troops have prevented Kingsley Arikpo, the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, from entering the Odonget community.

Soldiers from 13 Brigade and 245 Battalion at Edor Barracks in Ikom are currently occupying the community following an outbreak of violence between local youths and suspected illegal miners.

It is reported that the intervention resulted in a clash between troops and youths, during which two soldiers were allegedly killed, alongside four local casualties and several injuries.

Since March 11, 2026, the crisis has compelled residents to escape into neighboring communities such as Ochon, Iyamoyom, and Alesi.

Displaced residents have also claimed that they have been barred from the community, even to retrieve or bury loved ones who died in the violence.

In confirmation of the development, Arikpo stated that his attempts to visit Odonget in an official capacity were rejected by the soldiers.

“I attempted to access the village as chairman of the council, but the soldiers disallowed me,” he said.

He mentioned that his access to the area was solely possible when he was with a retired senior military officer, Major General Obono Ubi, who is currently Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu.

Arikpo characterized the situation as tense, pointing out that troops maintained control of the community and that illegal mining activities were reportedly still occurring.

Meanwhile, Theo Abeng, a local youth leader speaking from concealment in Ochon, claimed that he and others were shot at when they tried to go back to Odonget to inter the deceased.

He asserted that the attempt resulted in one death, which exacerbated the fears of displaced residents.

Attempts to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Army were unsuccessful, as Major Yemi Sokoya, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, was unavailable for contact.

Nevertheless, the Army had defended its intervention in a statement released on March 12, asserting that its ongoing presence in the community was essential for restoring order.

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