The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has deployed tactical units and Mobile Police personnel to Odot Uyi community in Odukpani Local Government Area following a violent chieftaincy crisis that left several people dead and property destroyed.

Police sources confirmed that the unrest, which escalated on February 2, 2026, was tied to a long-running dispute over the position of Village Head.

At least two people were reported killed, while houses—including the residence of the Village Head—were set ablaze, with losses running into millions of naira.

When officers arrived, they found the community deserted, with residents fleeing and livestock left behind.

During a combing operation, Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the Village Head-elect, was arrested over allegations of fraudulent dealings with community funds.

Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, who initially fled, was also apprehended, while the clan head remains at large.

Police intelligence suggested that three people were killed in the clashes: Edem Ekpo Nyong (30), Ekpo Ekpo Nyong (26), and factional leader Okon Usanga.

Usanga was accused of murdering the two brothers before being killed himself. However, police noted that no corpses were recovered from the scene.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata said two suspects had been arrested, while another key suspect—the Village Head—was still on the run.

He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the root causes of the crisis, noting that the community remained deserted as of press time.

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