By Okoi Obono-Obla
On 2 April 1968, in Ubaghara, present-day Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Biafran troops unleashed genocidal violence on hapless civilians in Biakpan, Etono, and surrounding communities. Among the victims was the family of the late Elder Ebri Eteng — his wife from Biakpan and their five children — all brutally killed in the massacre. Yet, Elder Eteng himself rose heroically, saving countless others from complete annihilation and ensuring that his people were not erased from the face of the earth.
Elder Ebri Eteng, who passed away in 2019, was an academic, a retired permanent secretary, and a respected elder of the Presbyterian Church. He was born in Lebolkom Bikobiko Town, Ugep,Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. His life was marked by resilience, faith, and service to humanity.
One of those who knew him personally, Inibong Jackson, wrote:
“I can relate very well with this story because I had the first-hand version from Elder Ebri Eteng himself before his demise. He was my mentor, teacher, and adopted father. This was well documented in his biography at his burial. I’m glad to see that the information is well captured in this write-up. Thanks.”
Elder Eteng’s story is not only one of personal tragedy but also of extraordinary courage. His legacy lives on as a reminder of the resilience of the Biakpan and Etono communities, and of the power of one man’s determination to preserve his people against overwhelming odds.
Leave a comment