From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

There is another round of hostility arising from communal skirmishes between two brotherly communities of Etono 2 and Biakpan in Biased Local Government Are of Cross River State.The resumption of hostilities happened some days ago when youths from Etono 2 were alleged to have attacked and killed a visitor to Biakpan and another youth whose identity was not immediately known.

Before then there were reports that nearly 50 persons had been killed on both sides. In the latest resurgence, a source said, “Sporadic shootings were heard on Monday and Tuesday inside Biakpan. A few persons have been killed.”State security adviser Southern district, Patrick Odion told our correspondent that he has his men on ground to calm the situation.Recall that about three weeks ago, Commissioner of Police in the state, Olusegun Omosanyin summoned the two sides to his Headquarters in Calabar and cautioned them.The police commissioner had disclosed how there was massive arms buildup by the two communities and said he would launch police action to retrieve the arms from them.He had expressed anger that the two sides had earlier refused to appear before him three times when he summoned them, adding that he had also dispatched his key officers to the two communities.Following the resumption of the hostilities, the police commissioner again met with the leadership of Biase LGA in his office.He assured that he would mobilize his men today to Biakpan and Etono 2 to quell the uprising.When DAILY ASSET spoke with some concerned stakeholders from the two communities they lamented that often when police and soldiers sent to douse tensions would leave, hostilities would resume soon after.A youth leader from Etono 2 who gave his name as Egwu Jerry, lamented, “The presence of the security men usually give us confidence but once they leave, our safety is no longer guaranteed. We’re few compared with those from Biakpan.”He also lamented that they do not have access road elsewhere than the one into Biakpan which reason, their adversaries usually encircle and easily attack and kill them.But a chief from Biakpan who gave his name as Onun Ekpezu alleged that Etono people were too aggressive and violent, and have destroyed their important properties and farms, and have killed their people and visitors.”Because of these, our youths have positioned themselves to defend our women and properties”, Ekpezu said.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship held its maiden matriculation ceremony yesterday, welcoming 4,000 pioneering students into the institution to pursue academic programmes in different areas of discipline.The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Patrick Asuquo, charged the students to focus their attention on acquisition of skills and knowledge that can make them break even in the global world. He assured parents of the university willingness to churn out graduates that will leave school with entrepreneurial mindset, equipped with creative and practical skills, innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities.”Our curriculum has been designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, fostering creativity and critical thinking”, the VC Stated.He charged the matriculating students to embrace academic excellence, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, uphold discipline, good conduct, engage in extracurricular activities, and be ambassadors of the university.The VC emphasized that the students’ conduct would shape their character and future stressing that the institution is committed to provide a world-class education in safe and conducive atmosphere.Prof Asuquo pledged his unwavering commitment to nurturing the institution into a beacon of educational excellence and entrepreneurial innovation.The matriculation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Cross River State and Nigeria.The university’s establishment is expected to increase access to higher education and provide opportunities for students to acquire skills and knowledge that will enable them to become self-reliant.The VC lauded parents and guardians for entrusting their children to the university’s care, assuring them that the institution would do everything possible to provide their wards with a world-class education.”The University’s focus on entrepreneurship education is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy.”By producing graduates with entrepreneurial skills, the institution will contribute to the development of small and medium scale enterprises, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth” Asuquo maintained.The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that the journey ahead would have challenges but expressed confidence that with resilience, determination, and a shared vision, the university would overcome them and achieve its goals.

From Abel zwanke, Lafia

Former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu has declared his intention to contest again in the 2027 elections, insisting that the will of the people was subverted in the 2023 polls.

In a June 12 message issued to journalists yesterday, Ombugadu, who is also a former member of the House of Representatives, described the 2023 election outcome as a “democratic kidnapping. ”“What we saw in Nasarawa State in 2023 was a tragic deviation from democratic values,” he said. “The people voted massively, believing in someone they trusted to lead them. But their mandate was stolen. I call it a democratic kidnapping. The power that belongs to the people was forcefully taken away.”Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Ombugadu said the day should be one of sober reflection.“We must ask ourselves if we are truly experiencing the dividends of democracy. Sadly, in Nasarawa, the answer is no,” he said. “The economy is harsh, our youths are suffering, farmers are neglected, and basic infrastructure is lacking. The people are not being served.”Ombugadu confirmed he would be on the ballot again in 2027, stressing that the people’s continued support fuels his political journey.“The people have never been disconnected from me. In fact, they still call me ‘their governor,’ despite the injustice,” he said. “The 2027 project is already on autopilot. By the grace of God and the will of the people, we shall win again.”On reports of internal division within the PDP in Nasarawa, Ombugadu dismissed the claims, describing the party as united and focused.“There are no factions in the PDP in Nasarawa State. What we have is a united front committed to rescuing the state from failed leadership,” he stated. “Of course, as in any democratic setup, there may be differing opinions—but that is healthy. Our house is in order, and we are more united than ever going into 2027.”Sharing his vision for development, Ombugadu said he plans to transform Nasarawa into a hub for tourism and resource-based growth through innovation and accountability.“Nasarawa has abundant mineral resources, but communities where these resources are extracted benefit nothing. Under my administration, ethical mining will be a priority,” he said. “Host communities will receive tangible benefits—schools, healthcare, roads.”On tourism, he added: “We’ll harness our natural landscape and cultural heritage to attract investment. We have what it takes to become a major destination in Nigeria.”The former lawmaker also urged voters to be vigilant ahead of the next election cycle.“Choose wisely. Don’t vote based on slogans or empty promises. Look into the past of those asking for your votes,” he advised. “I also challenge the media and civil society to verify our projects across the state. Investigate them. Let the facts speak. That’s how to promote credible leadership.”In his closing remarks, Ombugadu called on the people of Nasarawa to remain hopeful and determined.“My message is clear: the power still belongs to you. We may have been robbed in 2023, but 2027 is another opportunity,” he said. “Let’s unite, plan together, and take action. With your continued support, I assure you we will build a Nasarawa that works for everyone.”