By Abasi Ita
Tension has flared again in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State following a renewed clash between communities in Ikom and Obubra that left one youth shot and several others injured.
The attack occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, when armed men invaded Okosora Clan in Ofutop, Ikom. The incident is the latest in the lingering land dispute involving Alesi, Ekukunela, and Agbaragba in Ikom, and Ochon, Isabang, and Odonget in neighboring Obubra.
Despite Governor Bassey Otu’s peace efforts and directives for both sides to maintain calm, gunfire was reported around the Mfam Osusoh Okpon border area between the two local governments.
Eyewitnesses said the violence erupted when youths from Ofutop attempted to stop rival groups from harvesting cocoa on farmlands located within the disputed area. “We went to tell them to leave our cocoa, but one of them opened fire and shot one of our boys,” a resident said.
The victim, identified as Junior Ebi Anara, was taken to a nearby hospital after sustaining gunshot injuries. His father said he received the news while at home and rushed to the scene, but the attackers had fled before his arrival.
This marks the third attack on farmers in the area since the governor’s peace intervention began. Residents have continued to live in fear as the conflict persists, raising concerns about the safety of lives and farmlands in the affected communities.