The Nigerian Army has taken over security operations in Boje and Isobendighe communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State following a renewed communal clash that left two residents dead.
Troops attached to the 13 Brigade have been deployed to the affected communities to restore peace and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
According to the brigade’s Information Officer, Major Yemi Sokoya, who announced the development on Monday, troops searching the affected areas discovered two corpses in a forest.
He said the troops also recovered a rifle close to the bodies during the operation, adding that the immediate cause of the latest confrontation remained unclear.
Sokoya said the military would maintain its presence in the communities until the situation stabilised and normalcy returned.
“The soldiers won’t be there forever. Once the situation is resolved and calm returns, the soldiers will be ordered to leave,” he said.
The Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Eti-Eka Beatrice Nyiam, also confirmed the deployment of soldiers and policemen to the affected communities as part of efforts to restore peace and protect residents.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command said it had intensified security measures in the area to contain the renewed tension.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said in a statement that the command was engaging relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the situation and promote peace.
Eitokpah said the area was currently relatively calm, while security personnel continued to monitor developments closely.
He urged residents of both communities to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning them against actions capable of further escalating the crisis.
“The Command urges residents of both communities to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation,” he said.