Police in Cross River State have launched a manhunt for three suspects accused of killing a cocoa farm worker during an attack on a farmland in Boki Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, at a cocoa farm in Isibendeghe Community, where three labourers were reportedly working when the assailants allegedly opened fire.
Victim Identified, Two Others Escape
In a statement on Wednesday, the police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, said one of the workers, identified as Joseph Friday, died from gunshot injuries, while two others escaped. The attack was reported at the Boki Police Station at about 1:25 p.m. by Etta Ado, who alleged that three men from Boje Community attacked her cocoa farm.
The complainant identified the suspects as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa, and another man known simply as “Pepsi.” She told the police that the suspects “opened fire on the workers, fatally shooting one Joseph Francis Friday.” The complainant further alleged that the suspects “had persistently harassed and threatened her over activities at the farm before the incident.”
Police Investigation Underway
According to the report, two other workers, Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, escaped from the scene before later returning to inform her of the attack. The police said detectives from the Boki Division visited the scene after receiving the report. According to the police, “the corpse of the deceased was recovered with multiple pellet wounds consistent with injuries inflicted by a locally made firearm, with penetrations to the chest and abdomen.”
The body has been deposited in a mortuary for an autopsy. Police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that “further developments will be communicated accordingly.”
