DistantNews
Support us
Police Investigate Farmer's Killing and Another's Shooting in Cross River Community Attack
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police Investigate Farmer's Killing and Another's Shooting in Cross River Community Attack

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Police in Cross River State, Nigeria, are investigating the killing of a farmer and the shooting of another during an attack on farmland.
  • The incident involved unidentified gunmen who allegedly attacked two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Okpan, while they were working.
  • One farmer, Mr. Ikoh, died from his injuries, while Mr. Okpan is receiving treatment; police are urging calm and cooperation from local communities.

Authorities in Nigeria's Cross River State have launched a thorough investigation into a violent attack that resulted in the death of one farmer and injuries to another. The incident occurred on farmland in the Erei Community, Biase Local Government Area.

The state police command confirmed that two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Okpan, both from Orugbam Community, were allegedly assaulted by unidentified gunmen while tending to their fields near Egbor Community on Saturday afternoon. The victims were promptly taken back to their village for medical attention.

Tragically, Mr. Ikoh succumbed to his injuries, while Mr. Okpan is currently receiving treatment. Police spokesperson Eitokpah Akata stated that the body of the deceased has been deposited at a mortuary in the neighboring Ebonyi State. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Cross River State Police Command assures members of the public that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice.

โ€” Eitokpah AkataThe police spokesperson detailed the command's commitment to investigating the attack and apprehending the culprits.

In response to social media claims that suggested the attackers were from Egbor Community, the police have not yet confirmed the identities of the assailants, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing. The command urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions. They also appealed for cooperation in providing credible information to aid the investigation.

This attack exacerbates existing concerns over recurring communal tensions and violent incidents in parts of Cross River State, where land and boundary disputes have occasionally led to fatalities. The police are committed to uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and ensuring accountability.

The Command further appeals to residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

โ€” Eitokpah AkataThe police urged community members to provide information to aid their investigation and maintain peace.
DistantNews Editorial

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