A communal clash which has persisted for over 30 years between the Ofunokpan people of Mbembe tribe in Obubra LGA and Nta community in Ikom LGA, both in Central Cross River State, has resurrected with the killing of three persons over the weekend.

The three persons were reportedly killed in Nnaorokpa community in Nta, Ikom.

Two of those killed were identified as Rejoice Nton Anoka, 10, and a student, Mariam Akanya Mfono, 20. The third was identified as a Tiv, who was visiting.

Sources said the attackers arrived at 5:00 am without prior notice and pounced on the Nta Nnaorokpa people.

According to sources, the two communities are neighbors.

A manz who gave his name as Benjamin Ale, said: “The Mbembes had lived amongst the Ntas in Nta land but in 1993 they were reportedly provoked by the Mbembes who drove them out of their land.

“The Ntas regained their land when they fought back and ejected the Mbembes out of their land to Obubra.

“The Mbembe war on the Ntas have succeed in destroying three Nta communities, Mkpaya, Ntating and Ofon.

“On 24 December 2022 the Mbembes invaded Ofon Nta, killed and injured many and destroyed properties including government hospital at Ofon.”

According to sources, the state government had reportedly resolved that the Mbembes should remain with their kits and kins at Obubra LGA while the Ntas should stay in their ancestral homeland

Spokesperson of the Cross River State Command Irene Ugbo said the incident is being investigated.

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