By Kelvin Ololo
Fresh concern over a possible resurgence of communal violence has emerged in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State following the killing of a farmer and the shooting of another during an attack on farmland in Erei Community.
The incident first came to public attention through a Facebook post by Philip Obin, who alleged that armed men from Egbor Community in Erei South, alongside collaborators, invaded the farmland of Orugbam Community on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
According to Obin, the attack was unprovoked and resulted in the death of Mr. Obong Ikor Obong, while several other persons sustained gunshot injuries.
“Let it be on record that today, 4 July 2026, armed persons from Egbor Community in Erei South, Biase LGA, together with their collaborators, invaded the farmland of my community, Orugbam.
“During the unprovoked attack, Mr. Obong Ikor Obong was shot and killed, while several other persons sustained gunshot injuries,” Obin wrote on Facebook.
The allegations have heightened fears of renewed communal hostilities in the area, where disputes over land and boundary issues have periodically threatened peace.
Reports in past years have seen Erei, Orugbam, Egbor and neighboring communities engaged in communal disputes that have led to lost of lives.
READ ALSO: Communal Crisis: Drop The Destructive Missiles And Embrace Peace In Cross River BY PATRICK OBIA
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident but provided details that differ in some respects from the social media account.
In a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said it was investigating the alleged murder and attempted murder reported in Erei Community.
According to the police, the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when two farmers, Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh and Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan, both of Orugbam Community, were allegedly attacked by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.
The police stated that both victims were evacuated for medical attention, but Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh later died from the injuries he sustained, while the second victim is receiving treatment. The deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The Command emphasized that investigations have commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police also appealed to residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to remain calm, avoid reprisals, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The Command urged members of the public with credible information to cooperate with investigators to aid the ongoing inquiry.
The latest violence has renewed concerns among residents over the fragile security situation in parts of Biase, with security and peace advocates warning that swift intervention by security agencies and community leaders will be critical to preventing the incident from escalating into a broader communal crisis.
The Cross River State Police Command said it would provide further updates as investigations progress.
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