The Cross River police command is investigating the case of four persons who were killed over a disputed family land at Odupkani Effiwat community in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.

Ewa Igri, the spokesperson for the police, said the command was inundated with petitions over the matter.

He, however, said that six persons had been arrested concerning the deaths.

The victims, Effiom Eyamba, 55; Samuel Eyamba, 35; Efiong Eyamba, 22 and Ekpeyong Ekpeyong, were reportedly killed by persons suspected to be rival family members over the disputed land.

They were allegedly forced to ingest herbicide after a thorough beating over the disputed parcel of land, which also encapsulated a palm estate.

Obed Eyamba, who demanded justice, said that he lost three of his brothers and their friend who accompanied them on the journey.

Also, the mother of one of the deceased, Marta Ekpeyong, said that her 35-year-old son, Ekpeyong, who had been a childhood friend to the Eyambas, never came back home since June 27.

She appealed to the police, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Cross River to assist her as she had no one to get justice for her.

The police spokesperson, however, called for patience while the police concluded the investigation on the matter.

“We will follow due process to get to a logical conclusion on this matter. We have received several information about how they intend to use certain government offices in the judiciary to avert justice; we are not perturbed; we will handle the matter in the most professional manner.

“The suspects in our custody have made confessional statements, both written and verbal and we have them on record, and we shall follow through with the position of the law.

“No one is bigger than the law, no individual is above the law. I can assure the family of the deceased and Nigerians that the Cross River State Police Command will do the right thing, no matter whose ox is gored,” he assured.

(NAN)