Schools, Markets Shut Down; Billion-Naira Church Hall in Flames
By Edem Archibong, Calabar
The quiet farmlands of Biakpan and Etono in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State have once again become scenes of fear and uncertainty as an age-old communal conflict reignites, leaving destruction and tension in its wake.
What began as whispers of unease over the weekend turned into a full-blown crisis on Sunday when a multi-billion-naira multipurpose hall belonging to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Church was set ablaze in Biakpan.
The sprawling edifice, said to be worth not less than ₦10 billion, stood as a symbol of pride for the community and the spiritual home of the church’s founder and leader, Olumba Olumba Obu. Today, it lies in ashes.
Videos now circulating on social media show thick smoke curling into the sky as tongues of fire devoured the once-magnificent structure. Shocked residents could only watch helplessly, their voices drowned by the crackle of burning concrete and steel.
With no fire service station anywhere nearby — the closest one being in Calabar, hundreds of kilometres away — the inferno burned unhindered, consuming years of spiritual and financial investment.
The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected youths from the neighbouring Etono community, reopened deep wounds that years of peace efforts had struggled to heal.
Fear quickly gripped the region. Within hours, markets closed, schools were deserted, and farmers stayed away from their fields. The once-bustling villages fell eerily silent, their streets now patrolled by armed security men.
A combined detachment of police officers and soldiers stormed the area in the early hours of Monday, setting up checkpoints and mounting patrols in an effort to forestall reprisal attacks.
“We cannot take chances this time,” a security source said. “The state government has directed us to ensure peace returns, whatever it takes.”
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Cross River State, Mr. Igiri Ewa, confirmed the renewed violence, describing it as “unfortunate and regrettable.”
Ewa recalled that only months ago, community leaders from Biakpan and Etono had signed a peace accord under the supervision of the state police command — an agreement now lying in tatters.
“Despite the peace pact, we are witnessing another outbreak of hostilities,” he said, adding that the combined operation of security forces in the area enjoys full backing from Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the Biase Local Government Council.
Rumours had spread that the Etono community attacked the Brotherhood’s hall over suspicions that Biakpan residents were using it to stockpile weapons — an allegation police authorities say remains unverified.
“We are not aware of such intelligence,” Ewa clarified. “What we can confirm is that investigations are ongoing to determine who is responsible for setting the building on fire.”
As dusk falls over Biakpan and Etono, the smoke from the ruined church hall still lingers in the air — a grim reminder of a conflict that refuses to fade. While soldiers guard empty streets and frightened villagers huddle indoors, one question hangs heavily in the humid air: when will peace truly return to these once-harmonious communities?
