The Cross River State Police Command has launched a search for three men accused of fatally shooting a cocoa farm worker during an attack on a farm in Boki Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, August 5, at a cocoa plantation in Isibendeghe Community. According to police, three labourers were working on the farm when they came under gunfire from the suspected attackers.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah confirmed that one of the workers, identified as Joseph Friday, died from gunshot wounds, while two others managed to escape unharmed.
The case was reported to the Boki Police Division at about 1:25 p.m. by the farm owner, Etta Ado. She alleged that three men from Boje Community invaded her farm and opened fire on the workers.
The suspects were identified as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa, and a third individual known by the nickname “Pepsi.”
According to the complainant, the suspects had repeatedly threatened and intimidated her over activities on the cocoa farm before the deadly attack.
She also stated that the two surviving workers, Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, fled the scene during the shooting and later returned to inform her of what had happened.
Following the report, detectives from the Boki Police Division visited the crime scene, where they recovered the victim’s body.
Police said the deceased sustained multiple pellet wounds to the chest and abdomen, injuries believed to have been caused by a locally made firearm.
The body has been deposited at a mortuary for an autopsy, while investigations continue.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the three suspects, who are currently on the run, adding that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
