Cross River: Restive youths burn down traditional leader’s palace in Obung
The palace of the head of Obung community in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State, Ntufam Ignatius Enoh has been set ablaze by the community youths.
This followed the sack of nine workers of Akamkpa Quarry Limited located in the same community few days ago but the workers refused to accept the sack, saying they were unjustly laid off.
The violent unrest erupted on Monday, 11th August 2025, leaving property destroyed, some Indians taken hostage, police officers injured, and quarry operations grounded.
They reportedly burned down the palace on the suspicion that the village head reported their violence at the company premises to the police who arrested them.
In an exclusive interview with the Ntufam, he said he could not have kept quiet when they went wild, damaging company’s properties, attacking villagers and denying workers and foreign nationals access into the company.
“I cannot say that I know why they were sacked. But I tried to intervene for them to be reabsorbed to no avail.
“It was the company that informed the DPO who sent his men but when they could not contain the unruly boys, the DPO then asked the state commissioner of police, Afeghja Rashid for reinforcement. But the boys confronted the police fire for fire. However, one of them was killed, and this aggravated their anger.
“And so, when they were released, they came for me. Fortunately, my son alerted me and he drove me out. They succeeded in razing my entire residence, palace and my son’s house.”
Ntufam Enoh appealed to the authorities to come to his aid and rebuild his residence to enable him have a place to lay his head.
Afegba has cautioned the youths to disarm and desist from confronting the Police whenever they are performing their lawful duties to avoid possible casualties.
The Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Felix Akposi, has stepped in to restore calm in Obung community, after series of engagements with security agencies, community leaders, and management of the firm.
Condemning the burning of the traditional ruler’s palace, Okposi said, “The barbaric acts, wanton destruction, and violence we have witnessed in Obung are completely unacceptable.
“No meaningful development can thrive amidst chaos, bitterness, and violence. We must give room for reason.”
The Assistant Community Secretary, Mr Mbey Paulinus said that the community was willing to work towards reconciliation.
“We must put this behind us and embrace peace. Violence has done nothing but harm our progress,” Paulinus stated.
Cross River: Restive youths burn down traditional leader’s palace in Obung
