A renewed outbreak of violence between Ugep and Idomi communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State has left two persons dead.
The incident occurred on Monday morning when armed attackers reportedly opened fire on farmers along Ekpenti Farm Road, off the Idomi–Ugep axis.
One of the victims, 56-year-old Omini Iyam Ebri, was said to have been shot in the face while working on his farm around 7am. A second victim, 58-year-old Ubi Ofem Ubi, who was with him at the time, sustained gunshot injuries to his leg.
Ubi was first rushed to the General Hospital in Ugep but later died while receiving treatment, according to reports.
The attack has further escalated tensions between both communities, raising concerns over possible renewed unrest in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the corpses had been deposited at the morgue.
He added that police operatives, alongside personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), had been deployed to the area to restore calm, prevent further violence, and track down those responsible.
Eitokpah also disclosed that a report was lodged by the son of one of the victims, identifying how the attack occurred during early morning farm work.