POLICE IN CROSS RIVER STATE(BN24) — Calabar, Nigeria have arrested a 35-year-old man, Adeshina Gilbert, in connection with the brutal murder of a commercial driver, Agage Ternenge, in Obudu Local Government Area. The arrest, confirmed by police spokesperson Irene Ugbo, follows intense efforts by the Cross River State Police Command to apprehend those involved in the fatal assault, which authorities have linked to an ongoing land dispute between communities in Cross River and neighboring Benue State.
The incident, which took place on Friday, July 18, has drawn widespread condemnation after a disturbing video showing the assault began circulating on social media. The footage reportedly depicts a group of assailants attacking Ternenge, who was later confirmed to have died after being stoned.
According to a police statement dated July 21, Ternenge, a native of Mbanyam in Mbatyough Council Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue State, had traveled to Obudu to deliver a waybill when he was ambushed. He was killed during what police believe was a fallout of a deepening boundary disagreement between Vandeikya in Benue and Obudu in Cross River.
Gilbert, identified as a resident of Abonkib community in Obudu Urban, is currently in custody as police continue their investigation. Authorities say efforts are underway to locate and arrest other suspects who remain at large.
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, condemned the attack, calling it a “barbaric act” and “a gross violation of the victim’s human rights and dignity.” He emphasized the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and assured that all individuals involved would be tracked down.
The case has sparked concern among residents and human rights advocates, particularly given the violent nature of the attack and its connection to a longstanding territorial conflict. Police have called for public cooperation as they continue their manhunt for the remaining perpetrators.
Credit: Punching.com
