NEWS
Police Arrest Seven Over Murder, Burning of Village Head’s House in Akwa Ibom
Police Arrest Seven Over Murder, Burning of Village Head’s House in Akwa Ibom
Police arrest principal suspect over fatal stabbing of 42-year-old man in Essien Udim.
Six others apprehended over alleged arson involving village head’s residence and Toyota 4Runner.
Dispute over sharing of family funds reportedly triggered the fatal attack.
CP Baba Azare orders discreet investigation into the incidents.
November 11, () – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspects over the fatal stabbing of a 42-year-old man and the subsequent burning of a village head’s residence and vehicle in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests followed an incident in Ukana Mbak Ukot Village, Odoro Ikot Clan, on November 2, 2026, which reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the sharing of family funds.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, identified as Ifiok Akpan, allegedly attacked the deceased, Ukeme Jonah, with a broken bottle during an altercation, inflicting a deep wound on his abdomen.
Jonah was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
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The police said that following his death, the deceased’s corpse was taken to the compound of the village head, after which some individuals allegedly set the traditional ruler’s residence ablaze and burnt his Toyota 4Runner vehicle in what appeared to be a reprisal attack.
The police said operatives subsequently arrested Akpan at his hideout before apprehending six other suspects at the scene of the incident at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3.
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The six suspects were identified as Godwin Sunday, 42; Francis Dominic, 28; Julius Archibong, 52; Kingsley Ukeme, 23; Paulinus Bede, 28; and Udeme Tommy, 40. All are indigenes of the affected community.
The command disclosed that the suspects were in police custody, while the deceased’s body had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy. It added that the extent of damage to the village head’s property was yet to be determined.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a thorough and discreet investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Command condemned violence, jungle justice, arson, and destruction of property, warning that no grievance or perceived injustice justified taking the law into one’s hands.
The police urged residents to remain calm, avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace, and report criminal activities to the nearest police station.
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