The Cross River State Police Command has taken key suspects into custody following a chieftaincy conflict in Odot Uyi, located in the Odukpani Local Government Area. This dispute escalated into violence, resulting in the tragic murders of two individuals and significant arson incidents.
On the 2nd of February 2026, at approximately 4:50 PM, police received reports that a disagreement regarding the village head title had spiraled into violence, culminating in the death of two persons and the destruction of the village head’s home, with damages valued at millions of naira.
Superintendent Odukpani, accompanied by tactical police units and reinforcements from Mobil 11, acted promptly under the direction of the Commissioner of Police in Calabar, swiftly arriving at the affected area.
Upon reaching the village, law enforcement found it largely deserted, except for some livestock left behind.
A thorough search led to the arrest of Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the village head-elect, who faced allegations from the community of mismanaging funds. Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, was apprehended while attempting to flee, although the clan head remains unaccounted for.
According to intelligence reports, three individuals, including Edem Ekpo Nyong, aged 30, and Ekpo Ekpo Nyong, aged 26, were killed during these violent events.
Investigations are currently underway, and calm has been restored in the locality. The police are continuing their efforts to capture other suspects who have fled the area.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, the police spokesperson, confirmed the situation and emphasized that operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing village head.
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