Two Farmers Killed in Ekpenti Farm Road Attack as Tensions Rise in Cross River Communities

Two farmers have been killed in a violent attack along Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi-Ugep Road in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, heightening fears of renewed communal tensions in the region.

The victims, identified as 56-year-old Omini Iyam Ebri and 58-year-old Ubi Ofem Ubi, were reportedly attacked while working on their farm in the early hours of Monday, June 8, 2026.

According to police sources, the incident was reported at about 10:20 a.m. by Charles Omini Iyam, the son of one of the victims, who stated that his father was shot in the face by unknown assailants at approximately 7:05 a.m.

The second victim, Ubi Ofem Ubi, who was with Ebri during the attack, sustained gunshot wounds to his left leg. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Ugep but later died while receiving treatment.

The killings have sparked concern within surrounding communities, raising fears that the incident could escalate existing tensions and potentially trigger further unrest if not properly addressed.

The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident and said operatives, in collaboration with the Village Community Relations Unit (VCRU), have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent further violence.

He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen tensions.

Security agencies have assured the public that measures are being strengthened to restore peace and stability in the affected communities.

The attack comes amid ongoing efforts by local authorities to ease tensions between the neighbouring Ugep and Idomi communities, which have experienced intermittent conflicts in recent months.

Recently, stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies held a peace meeting in Yakurr Local Government Area aimed at fostering reconciliation and preventing further violence.

At the meeting, resolutions were reportedly adopted to promote peaceful coexistence, including commitments to identify and sanction individuals spreading misinformation capable of inciting conflict.

Despite these efforts, the latest killings have renewed concerns over the fragility of peace in parts of Cross River Central Senatorial District as authorities continue their search for the perpetrators.