23 humans skulls at camps in Cross River State refuted by Villagers

   According to reports that the Joint Task Force (JTF) discovered 23 human skulls in militant camps in Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas of Cross Rivers state, some villagers have refuted the claims.
  This disclosure was made on Thursday, October 27, saying that 23 decomposing human skulls and skeletons
 had been uncovered during a raid on militant camps belonging to the Bakassi Strike Force.
According to the reports, the militant camos were reportedly located in Ikot-Ene-Idem, Abakpa and Ikang-Inam communities in Akpabuyo and Bakassi LGAs.
     However, some villages have claimed that the the skulls were in fact, discovered in shrines operated by ritualists. A resident of Nsidung, who identified himself as Samuel Ekpenyong, said  that the soldiers found the skulls in the shrine of a well-known herbalist identified asEffiom Okon Ita.
“It was in Effiom Okon Ita shrine that the ‘Operation Delta Safe’ discovered 23 skulls. He is a herbalist in Bakassi known for producing charms and other spiritual materials for people in the area.
“The man has no links with militants. He has been a practising herbalist for several years. The man is known for herbal practice and many people from within and outside Cross River State patronise him on a regular basis,” he said.
    According to another villager, Anthony Nse, Ita, popularly called Eteobong Ayabom, usually performed traditional rites during big functions in the area.
Nse said, “The soldiers are looking for cheap popularity and that was why they linked the shrine with militants.”
    However, another villager from Ikot-Nakanda, Robinson Akpan, said that the herbalist used the human skulls to prepare charms for militants.
The Army Public Relations Officer in charge of 13 Brigade, Calabar, Capt. Kayode Owolabi, when contacted, said he speak on the matter at a later time.