Mob attacks police station, demands suspect’s release
By Emma Una
CALABAR — A man identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi has been arrested by the police in Cross River State for allegedly stabbing his friend, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, 42, to death following a disagreement over the sharing of ₦500 reportedly given to both of them as a gift.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the police received a report that a man had been stabbed to death following an alleged misunderstanding between the victim and his friend, Ikpi.
“We got a report that a man had been stabbed to death on Saturday afternoon at Kekoti, Ajere, following an alleged misunderstanding with his friend, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, male, of Kekoti, Ajere.
“The misunderstanding was reportedly over ₦500 said to have been given as a gift to both men, which allegedly resulted in a fight,” he said.
Eitokpah said Ibor was confirmed dead following the attack, while the suspect fled the scene.
He said police operatives immediately commenced efforts to locate the suspect and arrested him at about 8:40 a.m. in his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area.
“He was subsequently taken to Yakurr Division for detention and further investigation,” the police spokesman said.
However, shortly after the arrest, some sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect.
Eitokpah said the group, upon discovering that the suspect was not at the station, allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the facility.
He said the attack resulted in damage to 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 allegedly attacked over claims that he had assisted the police.
The police spokesman said operatives responded promptly, dispersed the mob and restored normalcy.
He added that the situation had been brought under control and the police station reinforced with additional security.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP 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 allegedly involved in the attack and destruction of police and private property.
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