THE COST OF A ROAD. 
55 
seclusion and an independent life. As these things 
were highly prized by him, he objected, and when 
the folks in our area in the Oron Country were 
told that the Government intended making a good 
wide rOad thirty miles or so long, from Akani Ohio 
to Eket, in the Ibeno Country, they were greatly 
upset. The inhabitants of four towns — where we 
now have out-stations : Eyo Abassey, Ndunuoko, 
Ebukhu, Okokudun — determined to have nothing 
to do with the project, and if ordered to help in any 
way, to resist to the bitter end. They formed what 
is known as the blood-bond. Sure enough they 
were asked to supply their share of labour towards 
making it, and at once afanikon (trouble) began. 
The native Commissioner sent the clerk of his 
Court with a small boy for company to call upon 
the chiefs of these towns, and tell them what 
amount of help they were expected to give. As 
soon almost as he started on his journey the towns 
to be visited knew of his coming. On his way the 
clerk was warned by friends to turn back, as 
trouble was brewing. He refused, saying : I am 
under orders, and must do my duty." When he 
got near Ndunuko the men, half drunk and full of 
devilry, met him, and the little chap, and at once 
began to jostle them. Their aim was to 
make the clerk lose his temper and do 
something foolish, thus providing an excuse 
for taking his life. The full story will 
never be known, but it appears they got him 
down and murdered him in cold blood, and the little 
fellow they crucified near the centre of the town- 
ship. To share the responsibility alike, the clerk's 
body was dismembered and shared amongst the 
