Two middle-aged men have died after a violent confrontation in Akpap-Okoyong community, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a dispute over a missing bunch of plantain.
The incident occurred over the weekend near Calabar, where the men, identified by residents as Edet and Effiong, reportedly attacked each other with machetes during a heated argument.
A community resident, Ettenma, told journalists that the clash began when Effiong returned from his farm and discovered that a bunch of plantain was missing.
While expressing his frustration, he was allegedly informed by someone that Edet had been seen carrying a bunch of plantain from the direction of the farm.
According to the eyewitness, Effiong, armed with a machete, went to Edet’s residence to confront him over the allegation.
The confrontation soon escalated into a physical fight, during which both men sustained severe injuries.
Ettenma said Effiong allegedly struck first in anger, prompting Edet to also arm himself and retaliate.
Before other residents could intervene, both men had inflicted serious wounds on each other.
The injured men were rushed to a nearby health centre but were unable to receive adequate treatment due to limited medical facilities.
They were said to have later died from complications arising from their injuries.
The incident has reportedly plunged the community into mourning.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, said the command had commenced investigations into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the violent clash and why timely intervention did not occur.