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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
A violent attack has rocked the Erei farming community in Cross River State leaving one farmer dead and one critically injured.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, 4th July 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., when two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Ajah Okpan, both of Orugbam Community, Erei, were violently attacked.
The farmers were shot by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.
Police sources say the victims were rushed to the village for immediate assistance and regrettably, Nkeruwem Ikoh later succumbed to his injuries, while the second victim is currently receiving treatment.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah confirmed the incident.
According to him, “The Cross River State Police Command is aware of reports concerning the alleged murder of one person and the attempted murder of another in Erei Community, Biase Local Government Area.
“Investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice”, he said.
The Command appealed to residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to 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 crisis within the area has been festering for the last decade and several efforts to end the crisis has fallen through.
Several lives has been lost as a result of the dispute as well as properties and large-scale displacement of people.
