The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi in connection with the alleged stabbing to death of a 42-year-old man, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 1 a.m. in Kekoti, Ajere, following an alleged disagreement between the two men over an N500 gift reportedly given to them.
According to the police, the disagreement escalated into a fight during which Ibor was allegedly stabbed.
He was subsequently confirmed dead.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene after the incident, prompting the police to launch a search for him.
Ikpi was later arrested at about 8:40 a.m. at a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area.
The police said he was initially taken into custody at the Yakurr Police Division before being directed to face further investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
However, the arrest reportedly triggered another incident after sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised to the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect.
The police said the group discovered that the suspect was no longer at the station but allegedly attacked the facility with stones.
Several items were reportedly damaged during the attack, including seven windows, doors to the offices of the Divisional Police Officer and Divisional Crime Officer, 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 reportedly damaged.
Police further alleged that the residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was attacked because some members of the group believed he had assisted the police in arresting the suspect.
Security operatives subsequently dispersed the crowd and restored normalcy in the area.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Ajo Ordue, has directed investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing while a manhunt has been launched for persons suspected of participating in the attack on the police division and destruction of property.
The command appealed for calm and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
Police authorities said attacks on police facilities, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The investigation into both the alleged killing and the subsequent attack on the police station is ongoing.
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