Nigerian Army Denies Burning Houses in Cross River

The Nigerian Army has denied accusations of setting houses ablaze in the Odonget community of Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, during a two-month occupation that began on March 12, 2026. Major Yemi Sokoya, the public relations officer of the 13 Brigade, Calabar, and 245 Battalion, Ikom, responded to claims that soldiers burned 50 houses, stalls, and a community hall while addressing a distress call regarding illegal miners.

Local youths allegedly attacked the soldiers for refusing to pay a toll of N1,000. Sokoya described the allegations as a "big lie" and challenged the community to provide evidence of the soldiers' involvement in any arson.

He indicated that the situation may have been exploited by rival communities, suggesting that the houses could have been burned prior to the soldiers' arrival. During the engagement, four individuals were reportedly killed, including one soldier.