A cocoa farmer, identified as Joseph Francis Friday, has been shot dead during an attack on a farm in Isibendeghe Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen after suspected assailants allegedly opened fire on him at close range while he was working on the farm.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the attack occurred on Wednesday.
Akata disclosed that three suspects, identified as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa G and another man known simply as "Pepsi," all from Boje Community in Boki LGA, have been linked to the incident and are currently on the run.
According to the police, the matter was reported by the owner of the cocoa plantation, Madam Etta Maria Ado, who alleged that the suspects stormed the farm where three labourers were working.
She claimed the suspects had repeatedly harassed and threatened her over activities on the farmland before the fatal attack. She added that two of the workers, Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, escaped and later informed her of the shooting.
"Following the report, detectives from the Boki Division visited the scene and recovered the body of the deceased with multiple pellet wounds consistent with injuries inflicted by a locally made firearm," the police spokesperson said.
"The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, while investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice," Akata added.
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