Public affairs commentator Ebube Bruno has raised concerns over the deployment of military personnel to Odonget community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, questioning both its necessity and impact.

Bruno argued that while the military’s primary role is to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, its involvement in what appears to be a civil dispute in Odonget may have led to disproportionate consequences.

The concern follows a military operation in the community during which more than 50 houses were reportedly burnt and about 200 families displaced, leaving the area largely deserted.

Residents said the crisis began after a dispute involving a miner, Ibrahim Musa, who was allegedly stopped by local youths and asked to pay a toll before leaving with extracted minerals. The situation escalated when the miner was reportedly assaulted and dispossessed of the minerals, prompting him to alert security operatives, which led to a confrontation between soldiers and the youths.

In its response, the Nigerian Army, through the 13 Brigade, confirmed that nine “aggressors” were neutralised during operations between March 12 and 13, 2026, stating that troops acted following an ambush. However, the military has not provided detailed information regarding the initial distress call or the specific communal conflict it claimed to address.

Amid conflicting accounts, residents have alleged excessive use of force, presence of unburied bodies, and continued restrictions, with some claiming attempts to bury the dead were resisted by troops.

A youth leader, Theo Abeng, alleged that security forces opened fire on returning villagers, forcing them to flee, though these claims remain unverified. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Kingsley Arikpo, reportedly confirmed difficulties in accessing the community due to ongoing tension.

Bruno warned that deploying soldiers in civil disputes risks escalation and blurs the line between civil governance and military operations. He noted that Odonget remains tense, with many residents still displaced and critical questions unresolved.

A former Town Council Chairman, Bishop Agbor Awubi, also stated that soldiers are still occupying parts of the community, adding that many residents are afraid to return home even to properties that were not destroyed. He described the situation as dire, noting that the community is yet to recover from the incident.