No fewer than 12 people are feared dead after a communal clash between Ebom and Usumutong in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Thursday morning

WuzupNigeria gathered that 18 other persons were injured and, consequently, hospitalised in the furore.

It was gathered that the attack started on Thursday at about 5 am resulting in the death of many, while several houses were burnt.

It was alleged that Ebijakara people resident in Usumutong launched the early morning attack on Ebom.

An eye witness alleged that the attackers were moving from house to house and attacking victims.

A source said high calibre weapons were used by both sides in the fight, causing heavy damage.

“The attack was launched by Ebijajara people and unless the government takes the initiative of resettling these people, it will be difficult to stop the recurring conflicts in the area,” a source said.

Some months ago, Usumutong allegedly attacked Ebom community, killing father and son in the farm while the grandson escaped with injuries.

The people of Ebijakara were sacked from their ancestral homes by their Ebom neighbours in 2005 and had been living in Usumutong as internally displaced people since then.

A similar attack in December 2018 resulted in the burning of the palace of the traditional ruler of Usumutong, His Majesty, Solomon Osim Edward and the country home of his brother, Air Vice Marshal Eko Osim (retd.).

Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Nkereuwem Akpan, confirmed the incident and said he was out of the state and did not have the casualty figure and number of houses razed.

He called for dialogue to end conflicts in communities within the state.