Police arrest murder suspect, launch manhunt after attack on Ekori Division

The Police have arrested 42-year-old Ebino Mbang Ikpi, over the alleged murder of an unnamed man at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 1am on Sunday, when Ayei Ekpe Ibor, 42, of Okonobngha, Ajere, was allegedly stabbed following a disagreement with Ikpi, said to be from Kekoti.

The disagreement reportedly arose over ₦500 allegedly given to both men as a gift, which later resulted in a fight.

Ibor was confirmed dead following the incident.

The Police said Ikpi fled the scene but was arrested at about 8:40am at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area and taken to the Yakurr Division for detention and investigation.

The arrest, however, triggered a violent reaction, as sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect.

The Police said the attackers, upon discovering that Ikpi was no longer at the station, allegedly pelted the facility with stones, damaging the station.

The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked over allegations that he assisted the Police.

Police operatives subsequently dispersed the crowd and restored normalcy, while the division was reinforced by the Area Commander, Ugep, and the VCRU, Ugep.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Ordue also directed intensified efforts to identify and arrest those allegedly involved in the attack on the police division and destruction of public and private property.

The Command urged 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 in accordance with the law.