C/River community to invoke traditional injunction over serial killings

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Following the beheading of two persons in Akai Ibonda and Ukim Ita communities in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State, last month, chiefs and traditional leaders of the area have resolved to invoke traditional injunctions against all criminal elements in the council area.

The community leaders, who convened a larger congress of who -is-who in the area submitted a five points plan of action to ensure such anomaly was nipped in the mud.

Recall that one Akaninyene Eshiet and others were arrested by the security agents for allegedly butchering two persons, Okon Bassey and Okon Akpan Eshiet and dumping their dismembered bodies in shallow graves, a development which generated outcry for justice from members of the two communities.

Speaking shortly after village heads, youth leaders, women groups and others had voiced their concern over the killings, Etubom (Arch) Etubom Bassey Eyo Ndem, Etubom Edem Ita Essien and Etubom Efiom Eyo Ekpo disclosed that the said traditional injunction would affect anyone involved in such dastardly acts.

They warned collaborators with criminals to relocate from the area, noting that the next few days would be rough for criminals and their collaborators.

Shedding more light, Etubom Ndem said “In conjunction with the Cross River State government, we have reorganised the security architecture in our local communities between the village heads and youth leaders.

“The new arrangement is going to be sealed with a deadly traditional injunction. We caution that this injunction will affect anybody that enters or resides in our community whose hands are stained with blood.”

The Chairman of the Odukpani local government council, Hon Etim Asido, who was represented by the Council Secretary, described the serial killings as “cruel”, and that the Council was keen to support any legal means to rid the area of such anomaly. 

He also pledged the resolve of the State government to ensure such an act does not repeat itself in the area and indeed anywhere in the State.