Viral Video Triggers Panic in Bekwarra as Catholic Priest Cries for Help Over Alleged Gunmen Sighting
A wave of anxiety swept through parts of Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State on Monday afternoon following the circulation of a disturbing viral video in which a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Thomas Onabe, was seen crying out for urgent help.
In the video, the distraught priest reportedly warned that heavily armed herdsmen, suspected to be gunmen, had been sighted near a primary school in Ijibor, a rural community in Bekwarra LGA. His emotional outcry, shared widely across social media platforms and community groups, heightened fear among residents and reportedly triggered the closure of schools and businesses in the area.
Akahi News gathered that Rev. Fr Onabe currently serves in Bekwarra, having previously worked as the Parish Priest of St. John Catholic Church, Yahe, in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. Newsmen familiar with his pastoral work described him as a calm and level-headed cleric, which made the urgency of his distress even more unsettling to those who viewed the footage.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Reach the Priest
Following the viral reports, Akahi News made several attempts to contact Rev. Fr Onabe to confirm the situation and obtain further details. However, all calls to his MTN line were unsuccessful, as the number consistently returned a “line busy” message.
The inability to establish direct contact further increased concern in the community, as residents remained uncertain about the scale and precise location of the reported threat.
According to local accounts, parents quickly withdrew their children from school, while shop owners and traders shut down their businesses as a precautionary measure. Many families reportedly returned home and remained indoors for fear of a possible attack.
Calls for Immediate Government and Security Intervention
In response to the development, Akahi News learnt that community leaders and worried residents have started calling on the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other security agencies to take immediate action.
They are urging the deployment of security operatives to Ijibor and neighbouring communities to verify the report, secure schools and public spaces, and reassure frightened residents.
“This is not something we can take lightly. Our children are in danger and everyone is afraid,” a resident told Akahi News on the condition of anonymity.
Growing Concern Over Rural Safety
The situation in Bekwarra has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of rural communities, where information often spreads faster than official response, and fear can shut down daily life within hours.
While the exact details of the alleged sighting remain unconfirmed, the emotional reaction of residents reflects the deep anxiety many communities across the country now live with.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments in Ijibor and the wider Bekwarra Local Government Area as updates emerge from residents and security agencies.
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