The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has urged the Egbor and Orugbam communities in Biase Local Government Area to stop all violent activities following a fatal shooting. On Saturday, July 4, 2026, two farmers from Orugbam, Nkereuwem Okoh and Ukam Ajah Okpan, were fired upon by unknown assailants while working near Egbor. Okoh died from his wounds, and his remains were moved to the Uwana Mortuary in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, while Okpan continues to receive medical care.
ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the police spokesperson, requested that residents maintain order, avoid retaliatory violence, and assist investigators with information. This clash marks a return of tensions in a long-standing land dispute that first erupted in 2020. Fearing reprisal attacks, many Egbor residents have since abandoned their homes.
Philip Obin, a prominent local figure, condemned the incident as an unprovoked invasion, suggesting that the timing coincided with a military personnel rotation at the local Forward Operating Base. He criticized the government for its slow response and lack of arrests. Conversely, Egbor youth leader Davies Ekor denied these allegations, claiming his community was merely responding to prior provocations and remains committed to existing peace efforts.
