Man, 46, Allegedly Beaten To Death By Younger Brothers Over Missing Bag In Cross River

A 46-year-old man, Bassey Eno Ibiang, has allegedly been beaten to death by his two younger step-brothers over a missing bag belonging to their elder sister in Egbizum community, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The suspects, identified as Omini Eno Ibiang, 28, and Emmanuel Eno Ibiang, 26, allegedly tied the deceased’s hands and legs and beat him while accusing him of stealing the bag.

Sources in the community said the incident began when one of the younger brothers accused Bassey of being responsible for domestic theft.

The deceased reportedly denied knowledge of the missing item, but his younger brother allegedly gathered some boys who tied him up in an attempt to force him to confess.

“In between the extreme shouts of pain that comes with torture, the deceased is said to have pleaded his innocence and was even heard pleading with his younger brother that it was unfair to tie him up like a common criminal,” a source who requested anonymity said.

The source said the beating continued intermittently despite pleas for mercy.

By early afternoon, residents reportedly found Bassey still tied up and lying lifeless.

A local health worker was called to the scene and attempted to revive him with an intravenous drip, but the effort was unsuccessful. He was subsequently taken to Ugep General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The incident reportedly triggered further unrest in the community later that night, when youths believed to be maternally related to the deceased stormed the family compound and vandalised it in anger over his death.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said the case was reported to the police on October 25, 2026, and two suspects had been arrested.

Akata said police operatives had visited the scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to report suspected offences to the police.