BREAKING: Tension in Cross River Community as Suspected Armed Fulani Herdsmen Reportedly Spotted Near Primary School

There is palpable tension in Ijibor community in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State on Monday after armed individuals, believed to be herders, were reportedly seen near a primary school, sparking fears of a possible attack or attempted abduction.

 

A viral video circulating on social media and obtained by News Week Nigeria captured the moment a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Onabe Thomas, raised an alarm over the presence of the armed men close to Ijibor Primary School.

 

In the video, the visibly distressed cleric called on security agencies and government authorities to respond urgently to prevent what he described as a looming danger…Use this link to watch the video 

 

According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men were spotted moving toward the school premises shortly before pupils were dismissed for the day. Community members claimed the individuals were seen carrying weapons as they approached the area, triggering immediate concern among residents.

 

Residents said a security alert was quickly issued after the presence of the intruders was noticed, prompting teachers and locals to move children to safety. Before security operatives arrived, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes.

 

“We saw them coming in numbers, holding weapons. It looked like they were heading toward the primary school,” said a community source who witnessed the incident. “As soon as people raised the alarm, they ran into the forest. Everyone is terrified.”

 

The incident has heightened tension across Ijibor and neighboring communities, with residents calling for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation. Some locals appealed to the state government to deploy more security personnel to patrol the area, warning that the community remains vulnerable unless decisive action is taken.

 

“Our security forces must search everywhere, including the forests,” another resident said. “We cannot take chances with the safety of our children.”

 

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, community members say joint security teams have begun combing the area in response to the alarm raised by residents and local leaders.

 

The latest scare adds to growing concerns over security in rural communities across Nigeria, where reports of armed attacks, kidnappings, and clashes involving criminal elements continue to threaten peace and stability.

 

Local authorities and community vigilante groups have also intensified surveillance around schools and farmlands in the region to prevent further threats.

 

Meanwhile, parents in Ijibor have expressed deep anxiety, with many urging government authorities to adopt stronger measures to protect schoolchildren and residents from potential attacks.

 

“This is frightening. We want the government to take this seriously,” a parent from the community said. “Nobody knows what could have happened if people had not spotted them on time.”

 

Residents of Bekwarra LGA are calling for a sustained security presence as investigations into the incident continue.