Days ago, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Nurse Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, was allegedly attacked by thugs during a visit to Obanliku. The incident left him hospitalized alongside other NANS members who were with him at the time.
To set the records straight, Comr. Olayi convened a media chat where he narrated what transpired, why it happened, and the steps taken afterward.
According to Comr. Olayi, the attack occurred during his tour to Obanliku as part of activities marking the Obanliku New Yam Festival, an event graced by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and other top officials.
He recalled that on the evening of the attack, he and his entourage which included a NANS bus and a Hilux vehicle were preparing to leave when he stopped to greet an old university friend, Barr. Umah Akpanke who was later said to be leading a certain unregistered group “JTF” in Obanliku.
While exchanging pleasantries, a man later identified as “Oyibo” said to be his PA reportedly alighted from a motorcycle, holding a bottle of beer, and began hitting the NYCN bus. When the driver attempted to ask why he was damaging the vehicle, Barr Umah allegedly punched him to his eye, claiming the territory belongs to the said “JTF”
As Comr. Olayi stepped in to inquire about the situation, Oyibo punched him heavily in the chest. Within moments, other individuals believed to be members of the said local group joined in, attacking Olayi and other council members including collection of phones and other valuable items
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Amid the chaos, the NYCN Chairman managed to escape with a few members of his team to seek security intervention. Assistance was later provided by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Following the incident, Barr. Umah Akpanke and others were arrested and held for five days. This development prompted Comr. Olayi to consider whether the case should be transferred to Calabar, the state capital.
In his statement, Olayi revealed that Barr. Akpanke made an undertaken, promising that such an incident would never occur again, accompanied by remorseful actions that demonstrated guilt and regret. In the spirit of reconciliation, the NYCN Chairman chose to forgive and drop the case.
A Call for Peace and Progress
Emphasizing the need to address recurring violence rooted in self-interest and showmanship, the NYCN leadership has resolved to channel the experience into something constructive.
The council announced plans for a state-wide youth program titled:
Cross River Youth Convergence 2025
Theme: Driving Productivity and Youth Inclusion through Strategic Partnerships in Cross River State
Why We Converge as Cross River Youths:
- To unite youth voices from Obanliku to Bakassi.
- To identify opportunities across sectors—agriculture, health, governance, and more.
- To chart a clear future for the young generation.
- To foster partnerships that will drive productivity and youth inclusion.
Details of the event, including the date and venue are below
