A 15-year-old boy has died from injuries suffered from the beatings he received from acclaimed members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was gathered that the boy was accused of stealing NGN10,000 from his father who then handed him to the NYCN for discipline on Friday, November 6. He died the following day.
According to reports, the teenage boy was beaten to a pulp by NYCN members suspected to be members of a gang.
His death sparked riot in the community as members of a rival gang went in search of those who allegedly participated in the beating.
The situation later degenerated into a full blown riot leading to the death of two youths and the destruction of some properties.
Chairman of Obudu Local Govt Council, Boniface Eraye Ewhe, who confirmed the incident said that he had to travel about 60 kilometers to the Godwin Ally cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Ogoja Local Government Area to invite soldiers to aid in the restoration of law and order.
He later issued a statement on Saturday, proscribing the NYCN and all their activities.
“I condemn in strong terms the brutal beating to death, of an innocent 15 year old boy; by some group of boys operating illegally and parading themselves under the guise of ‘Youth Council of Nigeria, Obudu Chapter. Due to the very ugly incident, I hereby proscribe them and all their activities,” the statement reads.
“The said boys and their affiliate organisations are not recognised and given permission by government or security agencies to arrest, detain or interrogate anyone accused of committing any crime.
“I urge the public to remain calm, law abiding and cease to relate with any person or group of persons, as ‘Youth Council’ in Obudu LGA as the police commences thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident.
“All Security Operatives within our reach have been deployed to ease the situation and we are currently working closely with them to ensure that normalcy returns to our peaceful town.”
Ewhe said those involved in the barbaric act will be made to face the full wrath of law.
“People with useful informations are encouraged to provide same to the police to aid in their investigations.” said the Chairman.
Meanwhile, friends and members of the community are mourning the death of Wilson Undie and another young man killed during the clash.
