A dispute over a N500 gift led to the death of a 42-year-old man and an attack on a police station in Kekoti community, Ajere, within Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State.
The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, following an argument between Ayei Ibor and Ebino Ikpi over the money. According to ASP Sunday Eitokpah, spokesperson for the Cross River Police Command, the disagreement escalated into a fight during which Ibor was stabbed. He was later confirmed dead.
Ikpi reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended at about 8:40 a.m. at his hideout in Ajere-Ekori and taken to the Yakurr Police Division. News of his arrest sparked further unrest as sympathisers attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding Ikpi’s release.
When the mob discovered the suspect was not in the station, they vandalised the premises—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 residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also attacked over allegations that he aided the police in arresting Ikpi. Police operatives dispersed the crowd and restored order, with reinforcements deployed from the Ugep Area Command and the Violence and Cultism-Related Unit (VCRU), Ugep.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, has ordered the transfer of the murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, and a manhunt is underway for those responsible for the attack on the police facility. The command has appealed for calm and warned that attacks on police formations or interference with investigations will be met with the full force of the law.
