Tragedy struck the quiet community of Akpap-Okoyong in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State over the weekend after a disagreement between two middle-aged men ended in their deaths. The incident, which shocked residents, followed a heated confrontation that spiralled out of control.
An eyewitness and community resident, Ettenma, identified the men as Edet and Effiong. According to him, the trouble started when Effiong discovered that a bunch of plantain was missing from his farm. While complaining openly about the loss, he was allegedly told that Edet had been seen coming from the direction of the farm with a bunch of plantain.
Angered by the report, Effiong reportedly went to Edet’s house to confront him. What began as an argument quickly escalated, with both men attacking each other using machetes during the altercation. Before neighbours could intervene, both had already sustained serious injuries.
The situation worsened when efforts to save their lives failed. The two men were taken to a nearby health centre, but the facility was said to lack the equipment and capacity to handle the severity of their injuries. Sadly, they later died, leaving the entire community in mourning.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, Akata, said investigations were ongoing. He noted that the police were working to understand how the clash escalated so violently and why no one was able to stop the men before it became fatal.
