By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A yet-to-be-identified bishop has been burnt alive and his son beheaded in a renewed inter-communal war between Abanwan and Urugbam peoole in Erei clan, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The bishop was reportedly ambushed alongside his son on a motorbike on their way from Abanwan community to neighbouring Afikpo in Ebonyi State.
It was gathered that no fewer than six houses and their occupants allegedly set ablaze as the assailants mobilized and invaded Abanwan community.
The Erei communities have, over the years, been at loggerheads over a piece of land that was established by the defunct Eastern Region before the Nigerian Civil War as an Oil Palm Plantation Settlement.
The settlement was reportedly handed over to the Cross River State government shortly after the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970 given that the location was in the state.
However, the Erei community, where the oil palm plantation was located, has 10 villages.
Meanwhile, troops from the 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army have moved into Abanwan and Urugbam communities to restore order.
The information officer at 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, Captain Aluko, confirmed to GRASSROOT REPORTERS that they had moved men and materials into the communities as of Saturday.
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