A CRY FOR HELP: EHOM CENTRAL COMMUNITY RAISES ALARM OVER ESCALATING LAND-RELATED ATTACKS
The people of Ehom Central (Enuike) Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State have raised a fresh alarm over what they describe as coordinated attacks and growing threats to lives and properties by individuals allegedly linked to the Idoma, Ekpri-Iko, and Iwuru communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, community leaders called on the Biase Local Government, the Cross River State Government, and all relevant security agencies to urgently intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
According to the community, the renewed tension stems from repeated attempts by neighboring groups to forcefully claim joint ownership of Ehom Central (Enuike), despite what they describe as clear historical, archival, and judicial evidence affirming Betem community’s ownership of the land.
The community cited several recent incidents that have heightened fears among residents:
November 11, 2025: Mr. Samuel Omori Endang of Idoma Village allegedly invaded Ehom Central, harassing residents and demanding rent for houses and farmlands under claims of ownership. Subsequent days: A town crier performing official duties was reportedly attacked by youths from Ekpri-Iko within Ehom territory. December 1, 2025: Hoodlums from Iwuru, led by Collins Lazarus and his brother Sylvester, allegedly assaulted a tenant in the community and threatened further violence.
Community leaders insist these are not isolated incidents but part of an orchestrated plan to destabilize the area. Many residents are said to now live in fear, uncertain of what may come next.
Reaffirming their historical position, the people of Ehom Central highlighted that the area, originally known as Nde-Alichu (Alichu Settlement), has been occupied for centuries. Historical records—including those from the National Archives and maps of the former Eastern Region—identify Betem as the landlord community to Alichu settlers. Notably, when the colonial government established a forest reserve in 1930, it was officially named Umon-Ndealichu Forest Reserve, further validating the community’s claims.
Community leaders added that various arbitration decisions and appellate court judgments have upheld Ehom Central’s ownership rights—none of which have been overturned or legally challenged.
Despite this, the community says some neighboring groups are attempting to “rewrite history” and take the law into their own hands, escalating tensions through intimidation and violent attacks.
“We are a peaceful, law-abiding people,” the statement read. “But we cannot fold our arms while our lives and properties are threatened. We strongly appeal to the Government of Biase, the Nigerian Police Force, the DSS, and all relevant authorities to intervene immediately.”
The community warns that failure to act promptly could result in a major breakdown of peace in the area, urging authorities to prevent what they describe as an impending crisis.
“As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine,” the statement concluded.
The appeal was signed by Comrade Clinton Amang Amang, Secretary of the Abonne Erereh Ette Ahama Family Lineage of Betem, who also noted that key stakeholders—including the Biase LGA Chairman, Ehom Ward Councilor, State and Federal lawmakers, and security agencies—have been copied for immediate action.
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