Fifteen persons are feared killed in renewed hostilities between the Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and the Ukelle Community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Farmland, produce, animals and property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the crisis.
Ukelle is about seven hours from Calabar, the Cross River capital.
Clashes between the communities have been consistent in recent times, often leading to deaths.
The clashes, it was gathered the clash followed tussle over land ownership, as both communities share a common boundary. Though it could not be immediately ascertained what triggered the fight this time.
But a resident from Cross River State, who pleaded for anonymity, described it as bloody.
He said: “It was like hell. I saw at least two people killed as I ran into the bush to hide. Even people going for their own business and passing through were attacked. It was like a war situation. Women and children were running everywhere; many children even lost their parents.
“It was a real nightmare. Gunshots were everywhere. I am sure not less than 15 people were killed so far. Right now we cannot ascertain who has suffered the most casualties. Women were crying, children were crying. There was smoke everywhere; it was a real living nightmare.”
Police spokesman Irene Ugbo said both mobile and regular policemen had been drafted to the area to restore calm.
She, however, said she was unaware of any casualty from the Cross River State axis, adding that contrary to rumours that there were no security agents in the area, policemen were still on ground to enforce peace.