Gunmen attack farmer, leave others injured in Cross River clash

One person was killed and several others were hurt in a land dispute in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Philip Obin, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, raised the alarm. He said the incident happened on Friday, July 4, 2026.

Obin claimed that the victim, Nkeruwem Ikoh, also known as Obong Ikor Obong, was shot dead on his farm in Urugbam. He alleged that armed men from Egbor Community in Erei South attacked him.

He stated, “Let it be on record that today, July 4, 2026, armed persons from a community in Erei South, Biase LGA, together with their collaborators, invaded the farmland of my community, Urugbam.”

Obin also accused the government of neglecting the community amid the ongoing conflict. He said one person was killed and many others got gunshot injuries.

“During the unprovoked attack, Mr Obong Ikor Obong was shot and killed, while several other persons sustained gunshot injuries,” Obin explained.

On Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident in a statement to journalists in Calabar. He said the police had started an investigation.

He said, “The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, July 4, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., when two farmers, Mr Nkeruwem Ikoh and Mr Ukam Ajah Okpan, both of Orugbam Community, Erei, were allegedly attacked and shot by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.”

“The victims were rushed to the village for immediate assistance. Regrettably, Mr Nkeruwem Ikoh later succumbed to his injuries, while the second victim is currently receiving treatment. The deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.”

Eitokpah assured the public that the Cross River State Police Command was committed to a thorough investigation. They aim to find out what happened, identify those involved, and ensure justice.

He urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and nearby communities to stay calm. He asked them not to take the law into their own hands and to work with the police by giving helpful information for the investigation.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses. The communities should remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands and cooperate with the police by providing credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation,” he added.