From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old man at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
In a statement issued to newsmen, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpha Sunday Akata, said the Police had also commenced efforts to identify and arrest persons involved in the subsequent attack on the Ekori Police Division.
The statement said that at about 1:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, the Police received information that Ayei Ekpe Ibor, a 42-year-old man from Okonobngha, Ajere, had been stabbed at Kekoti, Ajere, following an alleged misunderstanding with Ebino Mbang Ikpi of Kekoti, Ajere.
According to the Police, the misunderstanding was reportedly over N500 said to have been given as a gift to both men, which allegedly resulted in a fight. Ayei Ekpe Ibor was later confirmed dead following the incident.
ASP Akata said that following the incident, the suspect fled the scene, prompting Police operatives to immediately commence efforts to trace him and recover the deceased for appropriate medical certification.
A team of Police operatives subsequently arrested Ebino Mbang Ikpi at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area.
He was taken to the Yakurr Division for detention and further investigation.
The Police added that shortly after the arrest, some sympathisers and other persons mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect.
On discovering that the suspect was not at the station, the group allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the Police station, 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 Police also alleged that the residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was attacked over claims that he had assisted the Police.
Police operatives responded promptly to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy.
The situation has since been brought under control, while the station has been reinforced by the ACPOL Ugep and the VCRU, Ugep.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
He also directed intensified efforts to identify and arrest all persons involved in the attack and destruction of Police and private property.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding.
It said that while the Police would continue to protect the rights of all persons, attacks on Police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.