A tense atmosphere gripped the quiet community of Ijibor in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State on Monday after residents sighted armed men dressed in traditional attire and hats moving stealthily through the surrounding bushland.
Although no attack was recorded, the unusual movement of the unidentified men triggered panic among locals, prompting them to arm themselves with machetes and sticks in an attempt to protect their homes and families.
According to reports, a local priest immediately raised an alarm and appealed for urgent police intervention to safeguard the community especially schoolchildren who remain vulnerable amid rising security threats in rural areas. His plea follows growing anxiety over unverified claims of a temporary school closure and an alleged foiled child abduction attempt within the region.
The incident has renewed broader concerns about the persistent insecurity affecting several parts of Cross River State. Community members say they remain on edge as they await an official response from security agencies. As of the time of this report, police authorities have not issued a statement or confirmed the details surrounding the sightings.
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Residents are now urging authorities to boost surveillance, deploy personnel, and intensify efforts to protect schools and farming settlements in Bekwarra, stressing that early intervention could prevent future incidents.