Army Refutes Allegations of Troop Harassment in Cross River Communal Dispute
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that its troops deployed in Cross River State were harassing and intimidating residents of Ochon community in Obubra Local Government Area over a land dispute with neighbouring Alesi community in Ikom Local Government Area.
Headquarters 82 Division, in a statement on Sunday, described the claims as “false, misleading, and aimed at discrediting troops who are working tirelessly to maintain peace in the area.”
The Army explained that soldiers of 245 Battalion were deployed in the general area strictly for internal security operations to protect lives, secure critical infrastructure, and preserve public order in line with constitutional provisions.
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According to the statement, the troops responded swiftly to renewed clashes between the Alesi and Ochon communities on September 19, preventing further escalation and restoring normalcy in the affected local government areas.
The Division reaffirmed its neutrality in all communal, ethnic, political, and land-related disputes, stressing that it had no stake in the ownership or control of land between the two communities.
“Headquarters 82 Division reassures the good people of Cross River State, particularly residents of Alesi and Ochon, of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights,” the statement added.
The Army urged traditional leaders and stakeholders to pursue lawful and peaceful avenues for resolving disputes, while encouraging members of the public to disregard reports aimed at undermining peace support efforts in the state.
By PRNigeria
