A renewed land dispute in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State has claimed one life and left several others injured after gunmen reportedly attacked farmers on their farmland.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 4, has heightened tension between neighbouring communities in the area.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, Philip Obin, alleged that the deceased, Nkeruwem Ikoh, popularly known as Obong Ikor Obong, was shot while working on his farmland in Urugbam by armed men suspected to have come from Egbor Community in Erei South, both located in Biase Local Government Area.
Obin accused the attackers of invading his community’s farmland and described the assault as unprovoked.
“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.”
He also criticised what he described as the government’s failure to adequately protect the affected community amid the lingering land dispute.
According to him, the attack left one person dead while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
“During the unprovoked attack, Mr Obong Ikor Obong was shot and killed, while several other persons sustained gunshot injuries.”
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said an investigation had been launched to determine what happened and identify those responsible.
According to the police, the attack occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Friday when two farmers—Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Ajah Okpan, both from Orugbam Community, Erei—were allegedly shot by unidentified gunmen while working on farmland close to Egbor Community.
“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 police said both victims were rushed back to the community for emergency assistance, but Ikoh later died from his injuries. His body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, while the second victim is receiving medical treatment.
The command assured residents that a comprehensive investigation was underway and pledged to ensure those behind the attack are identified and prosecuted.
Police also appealed to residents of Orugbam, Egbor and neighbouring communities to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation.
“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,” the police spokesman said.