One killed, several injured as land dispute turns deadly in Cross River

One person has been killed and several others injured following a violent land dispute between Urugbam and Egbor communities in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Digital Economy, Philip Obin, alleged that the victim, Nkeruwem Ikoh, popularly known as Obong Ikor Obong, was shot dead on his farmland in Urugbam by armed men suspected to have come from Egbor Community in Erei South.

According to Obin, the attack occurred on Friday, July 4, 2026, when armed men allegedly invaded Urugbam farmlands, killing one person and injuring several others.

He described the attack as unprovoked and accused the government of neglecting the affected community amid the lingering land dispute.

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

Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said two farmers, Nkeruwem Ikoh and Ukam Ajah Okpan, were attacked by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.

He disclosed that Ikoh later died from his injuries, while the second victim is receiving treatment. The deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

The police assured residents that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible, urging members of the affected communities to remain calm, avoid reprisals and provide useful information to aid the investigation.