The Cross River State Police Command has refuted reports that 11 persons were killed in the communal clash between the Okwabang and Beebo Communities in Boki Local Government Area, last weekend.
A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo in Calabar said, “The Cross River State Police Command wishes to strongly refute the killing of 11 persons from Okwabang and Beebo communities of Boki East, Boki local government area of Cross River State as earlier reported in some media.”
“Contrary to the reports, on 8/3/2018 following a land dispute, a farmer from Okwabang community shot and killed another farmer from Beebo community in the bush.
“As a result, the suspect was arrested by his kinsmen and handed over to the police but the Beebo people were not satisfied with that.
“They quickly reinforced themselves for war and attacked Okwabang community. In the process, two persons were killed.”
“In the light of the above, the general public is enjoined to discountenance earlier reports as not only untrue and false but an attempt to cause panic and mislead members of the public.”
“The Commissioner of Police had since the beginning of the crisis sent more reinforcement of Police and Police Mobile Force.
“The CP also dispatched the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, accompanied by the Area Commander Ikom, the Squadron Commander 11 PMF Calabar, Conventional/Anti-Riot Policemen to restore peace among the two aggrieved communities.”
“As at today, a peace meeting between the two warring communities is ongoing with a view to bring peace to the area.”
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