The palace of Ntufam Ignatius Enoh, head of Obung community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been set ablaze by irate youths following the sack of nine workers of Akamkpa Quarry Limited.

 

The incident, which occurred on Monday, August 11, 2025, came days after the affected workers rejected their dismissal, claiming they were unjustly laid off. The unrest led to the destruction of property, the taking of some Indian nationals hostage, injuries to police officers, and the suspension of quarry operations.

 

The youths reportedly targeted the palace after suspecting that the monarch had reported their violent protest at the company premises to the police, which resulted in some arrests.

 

In an exclusive interview, Ntufam Enoh denied any personal role in the workers’ dismissal but confirmed he intervened unsuccessfully to have them reinstated.

 

“I cannot say why they were sacked, but I tried to intervene for them to be reabsorbed to no avail. When they began damaging company property and attacking villagers, the company informed the DPO, who called for reinforcement from the state Commissioner of Police. The boys confronted the police in a shootout, which led to the death of one of them. After their release, they came for me,” he recounted.

 

 

 

The monarch said he escaped after his son alerted him, but the assailants razed his palace, residence, and his son’s home. He appealed to authorities to rebuild his residence so he could have shelter.

 

Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Afegba Rashid, cautioned the youths against confronting law enforcement officers during lawful duties, warning that such actions could lead to more casualties.

 

The Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Felix Akposi, has since moved to restore calm through engagements with security agencies, community leaders, and the quarry’s management.

 

 

“The barbaric acts, wanton destruction, and violence in Obung are completely unacceptable. No meaningful development can thrive amidst chaos, bitterness, and violence. We must give room for reason.”

 

 

 

Assistant Community Secretary, Mr. Mbey Paulinus, expressed the community’s willingness to reconcile, saying, “We must put this behind us and embrace peace. Violence has done nothing but harm our progress.”