The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of stabbing another man to death at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area, while launching a manhunt for persons who allegedly attacked the Ekori Police Division following the arrest.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, 2026, after a reported disagreement between the suspect, identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi, and the deceased, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, over ₦500 said to have been given to both men as a gift.
According to the Police, the disagreement reportedly escalated into a fight, during which Ibor, a resident of Okonobngha, Ajere, was allegedly stabbed. He was later confirmed dead.
Police operatives subsequently began searching for the suspect, who had reportedly fled the scene. At about 8:40am, officers arrested Ikpi at a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area before taking him to the Yakurr Division for detention and investigation.
The Police said trouble later broke out when some sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised to the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect.
After discovering that he was no longer at the station, the group allegedly attacked the police facility with stones, damaging seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roofing and the passenger-side glass of the DPO's official vehicle.
The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked over allegations that he assisted the Police.
Police operatives moved in to disperse the crowd and restore order, while the Ekori Division was subsequently reinforced by the ACPOL Ugep and the VCRU, Ugep.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the murder suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
He also ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest those involved in the attack on the police station and the destruction of public and private property.
The Command appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that attacks on police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with according to the law.
Post A Comment: