By Edem Ekpo, Calabar
The Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, has called for calm and strengthened cooperation between Akamkpa Quarry and the host community of Obung following a violent clash that claimed the life of 34-year-old Henry Ntui and left three others seriously injured.
The monarch made the appeal during a visit to Obung to investigate the causes of the crisis. The incident reportedly occurred when officers from the Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force responded to a distress call and opened fire on armed youths gathered in the village square.
“The police shooting that led to the death of our son is unacceptable. We will work with government authorities to uncover the truth, ensure justice, and prevent future incidents,” HRM Ebani said. He assured the community that steps would be taken to address the underlying causes of the unrest, promote lasting peace, and create a conducive environment for industrial growth and investment.
The monarch also urged companies in the area to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities and collaborate with community stakeholders to foster unity and sustained industrial harmony.
Ntufam Iyamba Dennis Effiong, a member of the Obung Traditional Rulers’ Council, described the police action as an unprovoked attack on community youths. He blamed the crisis on the alleged high-handedness of the embattled village head, Ntufam Ignatius Olam.
“The nine youths who were dismissed had been pressing the company to honor its social responsibilities. Despite the wealth generated from our land, the community still lacks good roads, electricity, scholarships, streetlights, and basic infrastructure. Yet Akamkpa Quarry continues to transport thousands of trucks of chippings without clear accountability for the royalties,” Effiong explained.
He added that when the youths approached the village head for resolution, he failed to intervene, and the police reportedly stormed the community and opened fire while the youths waited. “We want to know who invited the police,” he demanded.
Other community leaders, including Ntufam David Mbung, Obung woman leader Ntunkea Anyadima Augusta, and Kelvin Ntui, the elder brother of the slain youth, have called for the banishment of the village head and his family. They accused him of embezzlement, lack of accountability, and administrative high-handedness, actions they say contributed to the crisis and the tragic loss of life.