The confrontation, which occurred on March 11, reportedly involved youths from the Isabang and Alesi communities and security personnel deployed to the area, leaving several persons shot and the communities momentarily thrown into panic.

Authorities confirmed that security operatives have since been deployed to restore calm in the affected communities.

According to preliminary information released by the Cross River State Police Command, the crisis was triggered by a dispute involving a miner identified as Ibrahim Musa and some youths at a checkpoint located within a disputed area between the Isabang and Alesi communities.

The state police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, explained that the miner was allegedly attacked and dispossessed of his mined minerals before reporting the incident to soldiers stationed nearby.

He said, “Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed a dispute between a miner, Ibrahim Musa, and some community youths at a checkpoint within the disputed area between Isabang and Alesi communities.”

Sunday added, “The miner was allegedly assaulted and his mined minerals seized, after which he reported the matter to soldiers stationed around Ochon.”

According to the police, soldiers who moved to arrest the suspects encountered stiff resistance from youths in the community, which escalated into a confrontation.

“In the course of attempting to arrest the suspects, some youths reportedly resisted and blocked the access road, leading to a confrontation during which four persons were shot,” Sunday stated.

The police spokesperson disclosed that two persons were confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries during the incident.

“Two persons were shot dead, while two others sustained injuries and were taken for ‘native’ treatment,” he added.

Sunday further disclosed that there were reports suggesting that two soldiers may also have been killed during the clash, although the circumstances surrounding their deaths were still being investigated.

“There are also reports that two soldiers may have lost their lives during the incident,” he said.

Following the violence, security operatives were deployed to the affected communities to prevent further escalation.

The police spokesperson said the situation had been brought under control.

“We have deployed our personnel and tactical teams to the area, and normalcy has been restored,” he said.

Sunday added that the police were working closely with community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the area.

“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Command is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace in the affected communities,” he stated.

He assured that more details would be made available as investigations into the incident continue.