By Emma Una

CALABAR—Renewed inter-communal hostilities between Inyima and Onyadama communities in Cross River Central Senatorial District have reportedly claimed seven lives and many wounded in two days of fighting.

The fighting erupted on Tuesday, as Vanguard learned that guns and machetes were freely used by combatants from both sides in the clash that lasted until Wednesday night, leading to casualties from both communities.

Ekong James, a pastor resident in the area, told Vanguard: “We are surprised that the fight started again after both communities reached a compromise two months ago not to fight any longer and promised to live in peace as brothers and sisters.”

According to Ekong, vehicles were stopped by each community on their side of the busy Ikom Highway. They interrogate commuters, identify those from opposing community and kill them in cold blood.

He said: “Many innocent people lost their lives during the crisis simply because they are from the other community or villages considered to be sympathetic with the enemy community.”

A history of fighting

The two communities have been engaged in internecine conflict over a parcel of land since 2008, leading to the killing of many people and destruction of properties.

In March, an entire village was razed in the conflict and when former Commissioner of Police in the state, Henry Fadairo, visited the place, his convoy was attacked by the fighters.

The state’s police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo, said the state Commissio-ner of Police, Mr. Jimoh Obe, ordered for the deployment of policemen to the area.

She said: “As I speak to you, anti-riot policemen are there and normalcy has returned and the road blocks mounted by both communities along the Ikom-Calabar Highway have been cleared.”