By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has commenced investigations into the alleged murder of a farmer and the attempted murder of another in Erei Community, Biase Local Government Area.
According to the Command, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., when two farmers, Mr. Nkeruwem Ikoh and Mr. Ukam Ajah Okpan, both from Orugbam Community in Erei, were reportedly attacked and shot by unidentified gunmen while working on their farmlands near Egbor Community.
The victims were rushed back to the village for emergency assistance. However, Mr. Ikoh later died from his injuries, while the second victim is currently receiving medical treatment.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The Police Command assured residents that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Command also appealed to residents of Orugbam, Egbor, and neighbouring communities to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist the investigation.
In a separate development, the Police Command has also launched an investigation into the death of a woman, identified as Blessing Ayebe, whose body was discovered in a church toilet in Calabar.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Etim, Blessing Ayebe attended a church service at the Presbyterian Church, Ikot Ansa Parish, on June 28, 2026, but did not return home.
Her body was discovered in the church toilet at about 9:00 p.m. on June 29.
Her daughter, Peace Minka Ayebe, formally reported the incident to the Federal Housing Police Station on July 1 after receiving information from her brother, Saviour Ayebe.
Police said the deceased was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where she was confirmed dead.
Her body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy.
According to the Command, officers who examined the scene and the body found no visible signs of violence.
It added that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding her death.
