There is tension in parts of Cross River State following the killing of two farmers in a suspected attack along the Ekpenti Farm Road, off Idomi-Ugep Road in Yakurr Local Council of the state.

The victims, identified as Omini Iyam Ebri, 56, and Ubi Ofem Ubi, 58, were reportedly attacked on their farm early yesterday. According to police sources, the incident was reported at about 10:20 a.m. by a son of the first victim, Charles Omini Iyam, 28, who alleged that his father was shot in the face by unknown assailants at about 7:05 a.m.

The second victim, Ubi, who was with the deceased during the attack, sustained gunshot injuries in his left leg and was rushed to the General Hospital in Ugep. He was said to have died later while receiving medical attention.

The killings have heightened tension in the affected communities, raising fears of a possible communal crisis, if urgent measures are not taken to restore calm.

Spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that police operatives, working alongside the Village Community Relations Unit (VCRU), have been deployed to the area to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

He explained that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while urging restraint among the affected communities. The police also assured residents that adequate security measures were being put in place to maintain peace in the area.

The incident was the latest in a series of violent clashes and security concerns that have continued to threaten the peace in parts of Cross River central senatorial district. It came amid renewed concerns over the fragile peace between the neighbouring Ugep and Idomi communities, which have witnessed periodic tensions in recent months.

Meanwhile, the Yakurr Local Council recently convened a peace meeting involving community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders in efforts to prevent further hostilities and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

At the meeting, both communities reportedly adopted a series of resolutions aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability, including a commitment to identify and sanction individuals found spreading false, misleading or unverified information capable of triggering violence. Also, community leaders were urged to take responsibility for maintaining peace within their respective domains.

The peace process was further reinforced when the Chairman of Yakurr Local Council, Mr. Yibala Igri Inyang, issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the leadership of both communities following reports of renewed tensions, warning that any action capable of reigniting conflict would not be tolerated.