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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Farmer killed, others injured in Cross River land dispute clash

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A farmer was shot and killed during a land dispute in Cross River State, Nigeria, with several others injured.
  • The incident occurred on farmland in Urugbam, Biase Local Government Area, and authorities suspect individuals from a neighboring community.
  • Police have launched an investigation into the attack, urging community members to remain calm and cooperate.

A land dispute turned deadly in Nigeria's Cross River State, leaving one farmer dead and several others injured. The violence erupted Friday in Urugbam, Biase Local Government Area, when armed individuals allegedly from the neighboring Egbor Community invaded farmland.

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.

— Philip ObinSpecial Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, describing the attack.

Nkeruwem Ikoh, known as Obong Ikor Obong, was fatally shot on his land. The attack also resulted in gunshot injuries for other individuals. Philip Obin, the governor's Special Adviser on Digital Economy, decried the incident and accused the government of neglecting the community amidst the conflict.

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

— Philip ObinSpecial Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, detailing the casualties.

The state police command confirmed the incident on Monday, stating an investigation is underway. Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah said two farmers were attacked while working. Ikoh later died from his injuries, while the second victim is receiving treatment. The deceased's body was taken to a mortuary in Ebonyi State.

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahCross River State Police Public Relations Officer, confirming the incident details.

Authorities are working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. They urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and surrounding areas to remain calm, avoid vigilantism, and provide information to aid the investigation. Further developments will be shared as the probe continues.

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahCross River State Police Public Relations Officer, providing an update on the victims.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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