Police probe killing of cocoa farm worker in Cross River

Police in Nigeria's Cross River State are hunting for three men accused of fatally shooting a cocoa farm worker during an attack on a farmland in the Boki Local Government Area. The victim, Joseph Friday, died from gunshot injuries while working on Wednesday. Two other laborers escaped the assailants unharmed.

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We will not do anything that harms the environment.

The attack occurred at a cocoa farm in the Isibendeghe Community. The police spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, stated that the farm owner reported the incident, identifying the suspects as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa, and a man known as “Pepsi.” She alleged the men had previously harassed and threatened her over activities on the farm.

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We will not do anything that harms the environment.

Detectives visited the scene and recovered the deceased's body, noting multiple pellet wounds consistent with a locally made firearm. The body was taken to a mortuary for an autopsy. Police are actively working to apprehend the fleeing suspects and promised further updates. This killing adds to growing concerns about recurring violence impacting farming communities in Cross River, where land disputes and local conflicts have led to deadly attacks.

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The environmental ministry is invited today and I will also meet with environmental associations soon.