The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of a farmer and the attempted murder of another following a shooting incident in Erei Community, Biase Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said the incident occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m.
According to the Police, two farmers from Orugbam Community in Erei, identified as Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh and Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan, were allegedly attacked and shot by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.
The victims were immediately taken back to the village for emergency assistance. However, Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh later died from the gunshot wounds he sustained, while Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Command further disclosed that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Reacting to the incident, the Cross River State Police Command assured residents that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice.
The Police also appealed to residents of Orugbam, Egbor and neighbouring communities to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
Before the official police statement was released, a native, Philip Obin, had alleged that armed men from Egbor Community in Erei South invaded farmland belonging to Orugbam (Urugbam) Community, describing the attack as unprovoked. He further claimed that one person was killed while several others sustained gunshot injuries and expressed concern over what he described as a lack of immediate intervention by government authorities.
However, the Police statement neither identified the attackers nor confirmed allegations made by members of the community. Instead, the Command described the assailants as unidentified gunmen and emphasized that investigations are ongoing to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The latest shooting has heightened tension in the Erei axis of Biase Local Government Area, an area that has witnessed recurring communal disputes in the past. Residents are now looking to security agencies and government authorities to ensure those responsible are arrested and to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The Cross River State Police Command said it will provide further updates as investigations progress.
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