A cocoa farm worker, identified as Joseph Friday, has been killed after suspected gunmen attacked a cocoa farm in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The attack occurred at about 1:25 p.m. on Wednesday at a cocoa farm in Onisha Farm, Isibendeghe Community, according to the Cross River State Police Command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ewa E. Sunday, disclosed the incident in a statement on Thursday, saying it was reported at the Boki Police Division by the owner of the farm, Madam Etta Maria Ado.
According to the police, the complainant alleged that Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa G. and another suspect known simply as “Pepsi,” all from Boje Community in Boki Local Government Area, stormed the farm where three workers were harvesting cocoa and opened fire on them.
The police said Friday was fatally shot during the attack, while the two other workers, identified as Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, escaped and later alerted the farm owner.
The statement further noted that the complainant accused the suspects of repeatedly harassing and threatening her over activities at the farm before the attack.
Sunday said detectives from the Boki Police Division immediately visited the scene after receiving the report.
“The corpse of the deceased was recovered with multiple pellet wounds consistent with injuries inflicted by a locally made firearm, with penetrations to the chest and abdomen,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson added that the body had been deposited in a mortuary for an autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The body has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, while investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects. Further developments will be communicated accordingly,” the statement added.