Armed attackers fatally shoot agricultural worker, wound several others in new outbreak of violence in Cross River

A land dispute in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State turned deadly, resulting in one fatality and several injuries.

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The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, Philip Obin, sounded the alarm on the incident, which occurred on Friday, July 4, 2026.

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According to Obin, the victim, Nkeruwem Ikoh, also known as Obong Ikor Obong, was shot and killed on his farmland in Urugbam by armed men suspected to have originated from Egbor Community in Erei South, both located in Biase LG.

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Obin stated that the armed individuals, allegedly from Erei South, Biase LGA, invaded the Urugbam farmland, and in the process, one person was killed and several others were injured by gunfire.

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Obin further alleged that the government had neglected the community amidst the conflict, allowing the violence to escalate.

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In a statement released on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident, revealing that the command had launched an investigation into the matter.

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Eitokpah explained that the incident occurred on Friday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., when two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Ajah Okpan, both from Orugbam Community, Erei, were allegedly attacked and shot by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.

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The victims were rushed to the village for immediate assistance, but unfortunately, Nkeruwem Ikoh succumbed to his injuries, while the second victim is currently receiving treatment, with the deceased's body deposited at Uwana Mortuary, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

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The Cross River State Police Command assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible, with the goal of bringing them to justice.

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The police urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighboring communities to remain calm, refrain from taking matters into their own hands, and cooperate with the police by providing credible information to aid the investigation.

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ASP Eitokpah added that further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the need for the communities to remain calm and assist the police in their efforts to resolve the case.