A lingering land dispute in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State has turned violent, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 4, 2026, was brought to light by Philip Obin, the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy.
Obin raised the alarm over the unprovoked attack, alleging that armed men suspected to have come from the neighboring Egbor community in Erei South invaded the farmlands of the Urugbam community.
According to Obin, the deceased victim was identified as Nkeruwem Ikoh, popularly known as Obong Ikor Obong, who was shot dead while working on his farm.
Expressing frustration over the situation, the governor’s aide accused the state government of neglecting the community amidst the brewing conflict. “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,” Obin stated, adding that while Ikoh lost his life, multiple other residents sustained severe gunshot injuries during the raid.
The Cross River State Police Command officially confirmed the tragic incident on Monday through a statement issued to journalists in Calabar by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.
The police report indicated that the attack took place at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Friday. It further disclosed that a second farmer, Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan, was also shot alongside Ikoh by the unidentified gunmen while the duo worked on their respective plots near the Egbor community boundaries.
Emergency efforts were made to save the victims, who were rushed back to the village for immediate medical assistance.
Regrettably, Ikoh succumbed to his injuries, while Okpan survived the initial assault and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
ASP Eitokpah confirmed that the body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, pending further forensic examinations.
In response to the tension gripping the area, the Cross River State Police Command assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
ASP Eitokpah strongly urged residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighboring communities to remain calm, refrain from reprisal attacks or taking the law into their own hands, and actively cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information to assist the ongoing investigation.
