By Kelvin Ololo
Fresh tension is brewing between neighbouring communities in Cross River State following the killing of two farmers in a suspected gun attack along Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi-Ugep Road, raising fears of a possible communal clash in the area.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 8, 2026, when Omini Iyam Ebri, 56, was allegedly shot while working on his farm. Another farmer, Ubi Ofem Ubi, 58, who was reportedly with him at the time of the attack, sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital, Ugep, for treatment.
Sources said the attack has heightened anxiety among residents of the affected communities, with concerns that the incident could trigger reprisals if urgent measures are not taken to contain the situation.
A reliable Source who spoke to CrossRiverWatch said ” issues of communal clash always occur whenever the planty season arrives”.
One of the victims’ relatives, Charles Omini Iyam, 28, later reported the incident to the police, informing authorities that his father, Omini Iyam Ebri, had been fatally shot in the face at about 7:05 a.m. while working on his farm.
The second victim, Ubi Ofem Ubi, who suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg during the attack, was initially receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Ugep, but later died from his injuries, according to police sources.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Confirming the incident to journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah said security operatives had been deployed to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the area.
“The incident has heightened tension between the affected communities, with indications of emerging communal unrest,” police stated.
According to the police, operatives working in collaboration with personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have been mobilized to the area to maintain peace and forestall any retaliatory attacks.
“Police operatives, in collaboration with VCRU personnel, have been deployed to the area to maintain peace, prevent further escalation, and reassure residents while efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible continue,” the statement added.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents have been urged to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the situation through lawful means.
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