Cross River Police Tighten Security After Farmer Is Reportedly Killed in Boki Community Clash

The Cross River State Police Command has tightened security operations in Boje and Isobendeghe communities in Boki Local Government Area following renewed tension over the reported killing of a farmer in the area.

Key Highlights

• Cross River Police have increased security presence in Boje and Isobendeghe.
• A farmer from Boje was reportedly shot in a farm.
• His family says he was allegedly killed by people from Isobendeghe.
• Police say the area is currently relatively calm.
• Security personnel have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
• Police are engaging community stakeholders to restore lasting peace.
• Residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.

The development followed an alarm raised by Lucy Ochang, a resident of Boje, who reported the disappearance of her brother after he allegedly went to a farm with other persons.

Ochang told journalists in Boki Local Government Area that she received information that her brother had been shot in the farm by people she identified as being from Isobendeghe.

According to her, her brother was not alone when the incident occurred, as his companion reportedly fled the area and returned to inform members of the community.

“Early today, I received a call that my brother was shot in the farm by some Bendeghe people. My brother did not go to the farm alone. His companion ran for their lives and returned to inform the community,” she said.

Ochang further alleged that before members of the community could return to the farm to retrieve her brother, people from Isobendeghe had taken him away.

“Before they could go back to the farm to carry him, Isobendeghe people have carried him and right now we have not seen nor heard anything from my brother and this is the second brother that has been killed,” she said.

Expressing her grief and frustration, Ochang accused the authorities of failing her family.

“Nigeria has failed my brother, Cross River State Government has failed my brother and my family. May your killers and their families not know peace,” she said.
Police Deploy Personnel to Boje, Isobendeghe

Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said security personnel had been deployed to closely monitor developments in the affected communities.

He said the police were engaging relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to de-escalate the tension and restore lasting peace.

According to the command, the situation in the area is currently relatively calm, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence to prevent further escalation.

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The police urged residents of both communities to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation.

The command also assured residents that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.

The circumstances surrounding the reported killing remain under investigation, while the police presence is expected to help prevent further violence between the two communities.