Cross River soldiers burial clash as Odonget residents accuse troops of stopping burial of relatives after violent encounter in Obubra LGA

Residents of Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have accused soldiers of preventing them from returning to bury relatives killed during a recent clash with troops, in an escalating situation linked to the ongoing Cross River soldiers burial clash Odonget community dispute.

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The residents, who are currently taking refuge in neighbouring communities, alleged that corpses remain scattered across parts of the area following last week’s violence.

According to local accounts, the military presence in the community has made it impossible for families to retrieve and bury the dead.

A youth leader, Theo Abeng, claimed that he and two others attempted to enter the community to recover bodies but were allegedly fired upon by soldiers.

“The soldiers opened fire on us. One of the boys was killed and we had to flee, leaving his body behind,” he said.

He also alleged that bodies from the earlier clash were still decomposing due to the inability of families to carry out burial rites.

Abeng further claimed that soldiers maintain a heavy presence in the area, conducting patrols both day and night.

He also made allegations of illegal mining involvement by some security personnel, claims which remain unverified.

The crisis reportedly began following a confrontation linked to illegal mining activities, which escalated into violence involving residents and security forces.

The Nigerian Army, however, stated that its deployment was aimed at restoring order in the community.

According to the Army, troops responded to unrest and were later ambushed by unidentified gunmen, leading to further escalation.

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The military said its intervention has helped stabilize the area, even as tensions and conflicting accounts continue to emerge.

The situation has left the community displaced and raised concerns over security, human rights, and access to proper burial for the deceased.