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By Akpan David, Calabar
A businessman said to be a businessman was ambushed and burnt alive. His son was also captured and beheaded in the Biase LGA communal clash resurgence on Thursday.
Resultantly, six houses were set ablaze whiile a number of elderly citizens were reportedly killed, too.
Following the development, troops from 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army have moved into the affected Irei and Orugbam communitiies in Biase LGA.
The bishop whose name was not immediately known was ambushed alongside his son on a motorbike on their way from Obanwan community to nearby Afikpo in Ebonyi State.
The information officer at 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army Calabar, Captain Aluko confirmed that they moved men and materials into the communities yesterday.
“Our duty is to keep the peace. Our men have moved into the restive communities”, she said.
Our source in Obanwan communiy said:
“The Bishop was a businessman who would leave his house as early as 4.30am in order to arrive Afikpo early enough to catch vehicle to Aba market in Abia State. So he and his son who rode him on a motorcycle were waylaid by men from neighbouring Orugbam community and Ekolekoleda community in Ebonyi State who have been fighting Irei over oil palm settlement for years.
“The Bishop was slaughtered and burnt alive and his son overpowered and beheaded.”
He said the oil palm settlement is owned by 10 communitiies but that Orugbam reportedly claimed dominance and had allegedly sold it to one Mr. Ini Uduma, a local government chairman in Ebonyi State.
“Orugbam people have usually engaged Irei and Obanwa communities in communal fight because both frowned at the selling of the farm settlement unilaterally.”
Meanwhile, chairman of the Biase LGA, Ada Charles who visited the scene said she had to alert the state security adviser, Dr Alfred Mboto who assisted much.
Efforts to speak with Orugbam community was not successful.
