Two Killed in Renewed Farmland Clash Between Cross River Communities

A bloody land conflict between Boje and Iso Bendeghe communities in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State, has resulted in the death of two individuals, with three others injured.

The fatal incident took place on Monday, when farmers from Iso Bendeghe were attacked while working on disputed farmland. A witness who spoke anonymously confirmed the death toll and noted that the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a nearby clinic.

The clash is the latest episode in a protracted land dispute between the two neighboring communities.

During a plenary session on Monday, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, strongly condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and unacceptable.” He stressed that no disagreement should ever escalate into violence and called for swift deployment of security operatives to both communities to restore order.

“This House will not tolerate the needless killing of innocent people. We demand urgent security intervention to halt further violence and safeguard lives and property,” Ayambem stated.

He also urged the Nigeria Police, the state government, and other security agencies to arrest suspected instigators, including community leaders believed to have contributed to the violence.

Attempts to reach local authorities proved unsuccessful. The Boki LGA Chairperson, Eti-Eka Beatrice, refused to comment, while the state Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbor, did not respond to multiple calls and messages.

The House has vowed to keep pressing for justice and a permanent resolution to the crisis that has for years strained peace in the region.