Police arrest two for murder and arson as chieftaincy crisis rocks Cross River community

Cross River State Police Command has arrested key suspects following a chieftaincy dispute in Odot Uyi, Odukpani Local Government Area, which resulted in multiple m8rders and arson. 

On February 2, 2026, at about 4:50 pm, information was received that a conflict over the village head title had escalated into violence, leading to the d3aths of two persons and the burning of the village head’s residence, destroying properties valued at millions of naira.

Supol Odukpani, leading police and tactical units with reinforcement from Mopol 11 under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police Calabar, quickly mobilized to the scene. 

On arrival, the village was deserted except for some animals. 

Following a combing operation, Chief Ntia Okon Bassey, 62, the village head-elect accused by villagers of financial mismanagement, was arrested. 

Another suspect, Chief Okon Nyong, also in flight, was apprehended, while the clan head remains at large. 

Intelligence indicated that three persons, including Edem Ekpo Nyong, 30, and Ekpo Ekpo Nyong, 26, were m8rdered during the crisis.

Investigations have commenced, normalcy has been restored in the community, and police are actively pursuing other fleeing suspects.

The spokesperson of the command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, who confirmed the incident said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing village head.