Man Stabbed To Death Over Alleged N500 Dispute In Cross River; Mob Attacks Police Division After Suspect’s Arrest | Sahara Reporters

Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiries.

Police in Cross River State have arrested a man suspected of killing a 42-year-old man in Ajere and launched a manhunt for people accused of attacking a police division and damaging public and private property.

The command identified the deceased as Ayei Ekpe Ibor of Okonobngha, Ajere, and the suspect as Ebino Mbang Ikpi of Kekoti, Ajere, both in Yakurr Local Government Area.

Police said they received information at about 1 a.m. on September 27 that Ibor had been stabbed following an alleged misunderstanding with Ikpi.

The dispute reportedly concerned ₦500 said to have been given to both men as a gift and escalated into a fight. Ibor was confirmed dead, according to a statement issued by the command.

Ikpi allegedly fled after the incident. Police said officers arrested him at a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area at about 8:40 a.m. and took him to Yakurr Division for detention and investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiries.

Shortly after the arrest, a group of sympathisers and other people allegedly gathered at Ekori Police Division, demanding Ikpi’s release.

When they learned he was not at the station, they reportedly threw stones at the building and damaged seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roof and the passenger-side window of the DPO’s official vehicle.

The command said the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also attacked at his residence over allegations that he had assisted the police. Officers dispersed the crowd and restored order. The station has since been reinforced by police units from Ugep.

Commissioner Ordue directed officers to identify and arrest those involved in the attack and the destruction of police and private property.

“The Police will continue to protect the rights of all persons,” the statement said, warning that “attacks on Police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

Police urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.