A cocoa farm worker has been killed in an alleged armed attack on a cocoa plantation in Isibendeghe Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for three fleeing suspects.
Key Highlights:
- One cocoa farm worker shot dead in Boki, Cross River.
- Three suspects identified and declared wanted by police.
- Two workers escape attack and alert farm owner.
- Police recover victim’s body with gunshot wounds.
- Investigation underway as suspects remain at large.
The incident was reported to the Boki Police Division by the owner of the farm, Madam Etta Maria Ado of Onisha Farm, Isibendeghe Community.
According to the police report, the complainant alleged that three men identified as Patrick Otu Debang, James Osa G., and another individual popularly known as “Pepsi,” all said to be from Boje Community in Boki Local Government Area, stormed the cocoa farm while three workers were carrying out their duties.
Ado alleged that the suspects opened fire on the workers, fatally shooting one of them, identified as Joseph Francis Friday.
She further claimed that the suspects had repeatedly harassed and threatened her over activities at the farm before the fatal attack.
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Two other workers, Clinton Abang and Amobi Igwe, reportedly escaped the attack and later returned to inform the farm owner of the incident.
Police detectives from the Boki Division visited the scene following the report.
The body of the deceased was recovered with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, injuries police said were consistent with those inflicted by a locally made firearm.
The remains have been deposited in a mortuary for an autopsy, while police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Cross River State Police Command assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
