Unknown gunmen attack Biase community in Cross River, kill famer, injure others

A fresh outbreak of violence has claimed the life of a farmer and left several others injured after unidentified gunmen attacked Urugbam community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Residents told VERY NIGERIAN that the assailants stormed farmlands in the community on Saturday evening, killing Mr. Obong Ikor, while several others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to neighbouring communities for medical treatment.

The latest attack has heightened tension in the area, where Urugbam and neighbouring Egbor community have been embroiled in a protracted communal dispute since 2020.

Previous clashes reportedly claimed several lives and destroyed property before peace efforts restored relative calm.

A former Personal Assistant to a former Vice President and an indigene of Urugbam, Philip Obin, alleged that the attackers came from Egbor community and described the assault as unprovoked.

Obin claimed the attack occurred shortly after a change of personnel at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) established by the Federal Government to curb recurring violence in the area.

> “We suspect the attackers took advantage of the reduced number of soldiers after the change of guard to launch the attack. The soldiers cannot possibly be in every part of the bush to prevent such incidents,” he said.

He also lamented that no arrests had been made more than 24 hours after the incident, accusing authorities of failing to respond adequately to previous petitions or provide relief and rehabilitation for victims of earlier attacks.

However, a youth leader in Egbor community, Davies Ekor, denied claims that his community carried out an unprovoked attack, insisting the violence was a response to provocation.

> “We are not mad people to leave our community and attack another when peace talks have been ongoing. They provoked us,” Ekor said.

Meanwhile, fear of renewed hostilities has reportedly forced many residents of Egbor community to flee their homes over concerns of possible reprisal attacks.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said investigations had commenced.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said two farmers from Urugbam community were attacked by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmland near Egbor on Saturday afternoon.

Police identified the victims as Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh and Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan.

According to Akata, Ikoh later died from his injuries, while Okpan is receiving treatment.

He added that the deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

The police assured residents that a thorough investigation is underway to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

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