Two farmers have been killed in a suspected communal attack along the Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi–Ugep Road in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, sparking tension in the area.
Details of the Attack
The victims, identified as Omini Iyam Ebri, 56, and Ubi Ofem Ubi, 58, were reportedly attacked while working on their farm in the early hours of the day. According to police sources, the incident was reported at about 10:20 a.m. by Charles Omini Iyam, 28, son of the first victim, who alleged that his father was shot in the face by unknown assailants at about 7:05 a.m.
The second victim, Ubi Ofem Ubi, who was said to have been with the deceased during the attack, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was rushed to the General Hospital, Ugep, for treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention, bringing the death toll from the incident to two.
Security Response
The killings have reportedly heightened tension between the affected communities, raising fears of a possible communal crisis if urgent measures are not taken to restore calm. The Spokesperson of the State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that police operatives, working alongside personnel of the Village Community Relations Unit (VCRU), have been deployed to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order and reassure residents.
He said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while urging members of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. The Police also assured residents that adequate security measures were being put in place to forestall any retaliatory attacks and maintain peace in the area.
Background of Tensions
The incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes and security concerns that have continued to threaten peace in parts of Cross River's central senatorial district. The latest killings come amid renewed concerns over the fragile peace between the neighbouring Ugep and Idomi communities, which have witnessed periodic tensions in recent months.
Only recently, the Yakurr Local Government Council convened a peace meeting involving community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders in a bid to prevent further hostilities and strengthen coexistence.
Peace Efforts and Ultimatum
At the meeting, both communities reportedly adopted a series of resolutions aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability. Among the agreements reached was a commitment to identify and sanction individuals found spreading false, misleading or unverified information capable of triggering violence, while community leaders were urged to take responsibility for maintaining peace within their domains.
The peace process was further reinforced when Yakurr Local Government Chairman, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the leadership of both communities following reports of renewed tensions, warning that any actions capable of reigniting conflict would not be tolerated.
