A farmer was killed and another shot in an attack on a farm in Cross River State. Police have identified the deceased as Nkeruwem Ikoh and the injured as Ukam Okpan, both from Orugbam Community in Erei.

The attack occurred on Saturday at about 3:00 p.m. near Egbor Community, with reports suggesting that the victims were working on their farmlands when unidentified gunmen stormed the area.

Philip Obin, a resident of Orugbam Community, took to Facebook to share the incident, claiming that armed men from Egbor Community, alongside collaborators, invaded farmland belonging to Orugbam Community.

Obin alleged that one person was killed and several others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, which he described as unprovoked. He also claimed that government authorities had taken 'little or no visible action' following the incident.

The police, however, are yet to confirm the allegations against any community. Instead, they say unidentified gunmen were responsible and that investigations are ongoing.

The police command in Cross River State has assured 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.

The command has also urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid reprisals that could worsen tensions. They have also appealed for cooperation from residents in providing credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

Saturday's killing of a farmer in Biase has renewed concerns about violence in rural communities in Cross River.

This is not the first violent incident 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 some demonstrators demanded the suspect be handed over to them before police intervened and moved him into protective custody pending investigation.

The police have also been investigating a case where a 50-year-old woman was brutally assaulted during a church crusade in Onyadama Community in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River after she was accused of witchcraft.

A statement from Philip Obin:

'Armed men from Egbor Community, alongside collaborators, invaded farmland belonging to Orugbam Community. They killed one person and left several others with gunshot injuries.'

The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Cross River in recent months, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the violence and to prevent further attacks.

Cross River has a history of communal violence

With disputes over land and boundaries occasionally turning deadly.

This is a worrying trend that requires immediate attention from the authorities to prevent further escalation of violence.

In a statement, the police command said: 'We urge residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid reprisals that could worsen tensions.'

The police have also appealed for cooperation from residents in providing credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and further information will be released as necessary.

Key Facts:

  • Date: Saturday, 2026-07-05.
  • Location: Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State.
  • Number of victims: Two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Okpan.
  • Charges: Investigation is ongoing.