The Cross River State Police Command has intervened in the ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the Ikot Inyang Community, located in Odukpani Local Government Area, following a violent altercation on December 3, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Police spokesperson SP Irene Ugbo confirmed that the conflict, which erupted around 9:00 am, prompted a swift response from the Commissioner of Police, CP Augustine Grimah.
In a bid to restore peace, CP Grimah quickly deployed the Akamkpa Area Commander and Tactical Commanders to the community. Their intervention was aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of all parties involved. To further address the situation, a series of peace meetings were organized by the police, bringing together key stakeholders, including clan and village heads, ward councillors, and representatives of the herders.
Among the notable figures present at the peace talks were clan and village leaders such as Chief Etubum Essien, Chief Pastor Essien Inang, and Chief Austin Eyamba, Esq., as well as Hon. Bassey Bassey. The herdsmen’s delegation included Alhaji Bakari Sambo (Chairman), Alhaji Tukor Amadi Ali, Alhaji Gambo Abdul (Youth Leader, Nasarawa), and Musa Abdullahi. The dialogue yielded positive results, with normalcy gradually returning to the area following the discussions.
In his remarks, CP Grimah urged journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information that could further incite unrest or tarnish the reputation of the Police Force. He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to upholding justice, peace, and the safety of residents across the state. Grimah also urged community members to rely on official police statements for accurate updates on the situation.
The Cross River State Police Command has since emphasized its dedication to resolving conflicts and protecting the lives and property of all citizens within the region.
