Military Operation in C’River community over civil dispute sparks questions

A public affairs commentator, Ebube Bruno, has raised concerns over the deployment of military personnel to Odonget community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, questioning its necessity and impact.

Bruno argued that while the military is primarily tasked with defending the nation’s territorial integrity, its involvement in what appears to be a civil dispute in Odonget, may have resulted in disproportionate consequences.

The concern follows a military operation in the community during which more than 50 houses were reportedly burnt and about 200 families displaced, leaving the area largely deserted.

Residents said the crisis was triggered by a dispute involving a miner, identified as Ibrahim Musa, who was allegedly stopped by local youths and asked to pay a toll before leaving with extracted minerals.

The situation escalated after the miner was reportedly assaulted and dispossessed of the minerals, prompting him to alert security operatives, which led to a confrontation between soldiers and youths.

In its response, the Nigerian Army, through the 13 Brigade, confirmed that nine “aggressors” were neutralised during operations between March 12 and 13, 2026, maintaining that troops acted after an ambush.

However, the military has not provided detailed information on the alleged initial distress call or the communal conflict it claimed to be addressing.

Amid the conflicting accounts, residents have alleged excessive force, unburied bodies, and continued restrictions, with some claiming attempts to bury the dead were resisted by troops.

A youth leader, Theo Abeng, alleged that security forces opened fire on returning villagers, forcing them to flee, though the claims remain unverified.

The Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Kingsley Arikpo, reportedly confirmed difficulties in accessing the community due to prevailing tension.

Bruno warned that deploying soldiers in civil disputes risks escalation and blurs the line between civil governance and military action, noting that Odonget remains tense with many residents displaced and critical questions unanswered.

“Over three weeks after the onslaught that destroyed 50 houses and displaced 200 families, residents say they’re still reconnecting with missing family members,” he said.

According to a former Town Council Chairman, Bishop Agbor Awubi, “the soldiers are still occupying Odonget 1, part of the community that was burnt down before their recent onslaught on Odonget 2.”

He also told journalists few days ago that, “people are afraid to return home nor sleep in the homes that were spared”.

He disclosed that the government is yet to attend to the community, describing the situation as terrible, adding “Odonget is desolate. We are yet to recover from that assault”.