A cocoa farmer, identified as Joseph Francis Friday, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen in Isibendeghe Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim was reportedly attacked at a cocoa farm on Wednesday, August 5, where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said investigations had commenced while efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
According to the police, preliminary findings identified three suspects as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa G and another man known by the nickname “Pepsi”, all said to be natives of Boje Community in Boki Local Government Area.
The police disclosed that the case was reported by the owner of the farm, Madam Etta Maria Ado, who alleged that the suspects stormed her cocoa plantation where three workers were on duty.
She claimed the suspects had repeatedly threatened and harassed her over activities at the farm before the fatal attack.
The complainant further told investigators that two of the workers, identified as Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, escaped the attack and later returned to inform her that Friday had been shot.
Police said detectives from the Boki Division immediately visited the scene after receiving the report and recovered the victim’s body.
According to the command, the deceased sustained multiple pellet wounds believed to have been inflicted with a locally made firearm, with injuries concentrated on the chest and abdomen.
The corpse has been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy, while detectives have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police assured residents that investigations into the killing were ongoing and urged members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in bringing those responsible to justice.