Ambazonian militants from the Republic of Cameroon carried out a retaliatory assault on the Balegete community in the Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River after a confrontation with the Nigerian Army.

Their invasion of Balegete on December 5, 2023, resulted in numerous injuries to residents

Prompt intervention by the Nigerian Army and police ensued, resulting in the death of one militant during the operation to protect the community.

Subsequent to the departure of Nigerian security personnel from the area, Ambazonian militants reportedly retaliated by targeting and killing the community’s traditional leader

In a letter addressed to the Head of Local Government Administration in Obanliku council, Elder Kechie John E., a community member, alleged that Ambazonian militants kidnapped the traditional leader and several youths during their retaliatory attack. They compelled these captives to bury deceased members of the militant group

The violent assault led to the tragic death of the traditional leader and the displacement of numerous residents from the Balegete community.

The letter reads: “Balegete is a community in Becheve ward in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Boundary in the east by Republic of Cameroon in Central Africa, in the South West boundary by Okwah and Bumaji in Boki Local Government Area and North by Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort.

“This village has government facilities such as Government Primary School established in 1958, Primary Health Post established in 1988, Cross River National Park Station founded in 1993.

“However, in the foregoing circumstances, this village has not witnessed any catastrophe of this type. Sad to inform you that on the 5th day of December, 2023, at about 4.00am, the Ambazonian militants from Republic of Cameroon in Central Africa invaded Balegete Community with heavy guns and long knives wounded many with knife cuts.

“On the same day the matter was reported to the HOLGA, Police and soldiers were released to the scene, killed one of the Ambazonian militant and left. Other Ambazonian militants ran to their country.

“Furthermore, the Ambazonian militants came back after the Nigerian soldiers had gone, captured the chief and some of the youths forced them to bury the dead militant, shot the chief to death, burnt houses, displaced the community, some ran to Okwah and Bumaji in Boki Local Government Area, some ran to the forest and to the Ranch. Except four of our community members who are still at large, thus; Akor Abraham, Ochuck Ransom, Ndah Fidelis and Ushia Michael Kububu are not seen till now.”

Victor Abang, a member of the House of Representatives for the Ikom/Boki federal constituency, confirmed the invasion in a statement signed by his media aide, Simon Abang.

The continuing invasion of areas of the state, according to Abang, is a security threat on the country’s national boundary that must be stopped.