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| Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu - Governor of Cross River State |
Cross River, 22 September 2025 – A coalition of Obubra residents has submitted a formal complaint to His Excellency, Governor Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, decrying what they describe as an unjustified military invasion of the Ochon, Onyen-Okpon Isabang and Odongit communities in Obubra Local Government Area. According to the petition, the operation has led to loss of life, forced evictions and widespread fear among civilians.
Shooting and Disappearance of a Civilian
The group alleges that during the offensive a young man named Okpa was shot by military personnel in Ochon village. Witnesses state that soldiers removed his body to an unknown location and have yet to return it, raising urgent questions about accountability and due process.
Forced Evictions and Property Destruction
Eyewitnesses report that troops have driven residents from their homes, destroying property and livelihoods. Women, children and the elderly are now displaced, and at least 32 motor-bikes along with several bags of cocoa were seized from the affected communities.
Threats and Inflammatory Boasts
Residents further claim that individuals in the nearby Ofutop community have boasted of backing by Major-General Hilary Nzan and threatened to “wipe out” Obubra villages. The petition asserts that such statements amount to ethnic cleansing and dangerously inflame tensions.
Condemnation of Sustained Maiming
While acknowledging the Army’s mandate to maintain security, the Concerned Citizens of Obubra condemn what they term the “sustained maiming and harassment” of civilians. They insist all operations must adhere to established rules of engagement and respect human rights.
Demands for Immediate Action
In their letter, the citizens call for:
• An immediate halt to all military actions targeting civilians;
• The prompt return of Okpa’s body—or a transparent accounting of his fate;
• Establishment of an independent investigation panel, including the Governor’s Peace Committee, Ministry of Justice, Surveyor-General’s office, human-rights groups and independent observers;
• Unhindered humanitarian access for relief agencies to assist displaced residents;
• A formal directive from Army command distancing itself from threats issued in the name of serving officers, and disciplinary measures against those responsible.
The petition concludes with an appeal to Governor Otu’s office: continued attacks and displacement, they warn, will only deepen resentment and risk lasting instability. “We remain committed to peace,” the letter states, “but peace cannot thrive where truth is suppressed and communities are subjected to unlawful force.”
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