Tension has escalated in parts of Cross River State following the killing of two farmers in a suspected communal attack in Yakurr Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred along Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi–Ugep Road, in the early hours of Tuesday. The victims, identified as 56-year-old Omini Iyam Ebri and 58-year-old Ubi Ofem Ubi, were reportedly attacked while working on their farmland.
According to sources, the attack was reported around 10:20 a.m. by Charles Omini Iyam, son of one of the victims. He alleged that his father was shot in the face by unknown gunmen at about 7:05 a.m.
Ubi Ofem Ubi, who was said to be with Ebri during the attack, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was rushed to the General Hospital in Ugep. However, he later died while receiving treatment, bringing the death toll to two.
The killings have heightened fears of a possible communal crisis, especially amid existing tensions between neighbouring communities in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that security operatives have been deployed to the affected community to maintain law and order.
He added that police are working with the Village Community Relations Unit (VCRU) to prevent further escalation.
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Eitokpah assured residents that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, urging community members to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Authorities also stated that measures have been put in place to forestall any retaliatory violence and restore peace in the area.
The incident is the latest in a series of security concerns affecting Cross River’s central senatorial district, particularly involving the Ugep and Idomi communities, which have experienced periodic clashes in recent months.
In response to rising tensions, the Yakurr Local Government Council had recently convened a peace meeting involving community leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
The meeting resulted in resolutions aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, including sanctions against individuals spreading misinformation capable of inciting violence.
The Council Chairman, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, had also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to community leaders, warning against any actions that could reignite conflict.
As residents remain on edge, security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further breakdown of peace.
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