The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a farmer and the wounding of another during an attack on farmland in Erei Community, Biase Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 3:00 p.m., according to police spokesperson Eitokpah Akata, an assistant superintendent of police.
Details of the Attack
Two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Okpan, both from Orugbam Community in Erei, were allegedly attacked by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community. The victims were rushed back to their village for treatment. However, Mr Ikoh later succumbed to his injuries, while Mr Okpan is currently receiving medical care. The body of the deceased has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in neighbouring Ebonyi State.
The police statement followed reports circulating on social media, including a Facebook post by Philip Obin, who alleged that armed men from Egbor Community, alongside collaborators, invaded farmland belonging to Orugbam Community. Mr Obin claimed that one person was killed and several others sustained gunshot injuries during what he described as an unprovoked attack. He also alleged that government authorities had taken little or no visible action following the incident.
Police Response and Appeal
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Akata assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. “The Cross River State Police Command assures members of the public that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice,” he said. The command urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid reprisals that could worsen tensions. “The Command further appeals to residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation.”
The police are yet to identify the attackers or confirm allegations against any specific community, stating that unidentified gunmen were responsible and that investigations are ongoing. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Broader Context of Communal Violence
The latest incident has heightened concerns over recurring communal tensions and violent attacks affecting farming communities in parts of Cross River, where disputes over land and boundaries occasionally turn deadly. This attack adds to a series of violent incidents in the state in recent months. In March, women in Nwang-Ekpugrinya Community in Ogoja Local Government Area protested the killing of 26-year-old Lucy Morshie, who police said was allegedly murdered by her lover at a farm. The protest turned tense as demonstrators demanded the suspect be handed over to them before police intervened and moved him into protective custody.
Additionally, Premium Times recently reported how a mob brutally assaulted a 50-year-old woman during a church crusade in Onyadama Community in Obubra Local Government Area after she was accused of witchcraft. Several weeks later, no suspect has been arrested over that incident, raising concerns among residents and rights advocates about accountability for violent crimes in the state.
The police have urged anyone with useful information about the Biase attack to assist investigators to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
