The Nigerian Police have arrested a 42-year-old man, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, in connection with the alleged murder of Ayei Ekpe Ibor, 42, at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident occurred at about 1am on Sunday, following a disagreement over ₦500. The disagreement reportedly arose between Ikpi and Ibor, which later resulted in a fight.
Ibor was confirmed dead following the incident, while Ikpi fled the scene. However, he 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 Police said Ikpi was arrested and taken into custody to face the consequences of his actions. The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage in the community.
The arrest of Ikpi, however, triggered a violent reaction from sympathizers and other persons, who allegedly mobilized 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 Police have launched a manhunt for those allegedly involved in the attack on the police division and destruction of public and private property. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has 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.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area, with residents calling for increased police presence to prevent such incidents. The Police have assured residents that they are working to restore peace and order in the area. The investigation into the murder and the attack on the police division is ongoing.
The Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, and warned that anyone found to be involved in such acts of violence and destruction would be brought to justice. The community has been urged to cooperate with the Police to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Key points
- - The Nigerian Police have arrested a 42-year-old man, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, in connection with the alleged murder of Ayei Ekpe Ibor, 42. - The arrest triggered a violent reaction from sympathizers, who attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect. - The Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
