The police in Cross River State have arrested Ebino Ikpi, a man accused of stabbing a 42-year-old man, Ayei Ibor, to death following a disagreement over a N500 gift. According to the police, the incident occurred at about 1 a.m. in Kekoti, Ajere, when the disagreement between the two men allegedly escalated into a fight, resulting in Mr Ibor being stabbed and confirmed dead. The suspect, Mr Ikpi, fled the scene after the incident, prompting operatives to launch a search for him.
The suspect was eventually arrested at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area of Yakurr Local Government Area of the state at about 8:40 a.m. on Sunday. He was taken to the Yakurr Police Division for detention and further investigation. The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Ajo Ordue, has directed that Mr Ikpi be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. The police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.
The arrest of the suspect triggered another incident when sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect. Police said the group discovered that Mr Ikpi was not at the station but allegedly threw stones at the police facility, causing damage to property. The attack reportedly damaged seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, and part of the station’s roofing.
The passenger-side glass of the DPO’s official vehicle was also allegedly damaged during the attack. Additionally, the residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was equally attacked, reportedly because the attackers believed he had assisted the police in the suspect’s arrest. Operatives responded by dispersing the crowd and restoring normalcy. The police have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified efforts to identify and arrest those involved in the attack on the police station and destruction of public and private property. The police urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while assuring that attacks on police formations, destruction of property, and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
This incident comes amid a series of reported violent deaths and alleged murder cases in Cross River in recent months. In August, the police in the state began investigating the deaths of two unidentified men allegedly attacked by a mob over suspected robbery in Calabar South. The police warned residents against attacking suspected offenders, saying no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands.
The police are continuing investigations into the latest killing and the attack on the Ekori Division. The recurring incidents have kept concerns over violent crime, mob action, and the use of extrajudicial measures in focus in the state.
Key points
- The suspect, Ebino Ikpi, was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
- The attack on the Ekori Police Division resulted in damage to property, including windows, doors, and a vehicle.
- The police have launched a manhunt for those involved in the attack on the police station and destruction of public and private property.
