The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of killing a 42-year-old resident of Ajere in Yakurr Local Government Area and launched a manhunt for individuals who allegedly attacked a police division and destroyed public and private property.

The deceased was identified as Ayei Ekpe Ibor of Okonobngha, Ajere, while the suspect, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, is from Kekoti, Ajere, both in Yakurr LGA.

According to the command, police received information at about 1am on September 27 that Ibor had been stabbed during a fight allegedly triggered by a disagreement with Ikpi.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from ₦500 given to the two men as a gift. The disagreement later escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Ibor sustained a stab wound and was subsequently confirmed dead.

Ikpi allegedly fled the scene after the incident but was arrested by police at about 8:40am at a hideout around the Ajere-Ekori axis.

He was taken to the Yakurr Divisional Police Headquarters, where he was detained for questioning and investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

However, shortly after Ikpi’s arrest, sympathisers and other residents reportedly stormed the Ekori Police Division, demanding his release.

The command said the group became violent after discovering that the suspect was no longer at the station, allegedly pelting the building with stones and damaging seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roof and the passenger-side window of the DPO’s official vehicle.

The Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked at his residence after being accused of assisting the police in the matter.

Police officers eventually dispersed the crowd and restored normalcy, while additional personnel from Ugep were deployed to reinforce security at the station.

CP Ordue subsequently directed officers to identify and arrest all those involved in the alleged attack and destruction of police and private property.

The command said it would continue to protect the rights of all persons, but warned that attacks on police formations, destruction of property and attempts to interfere with criminal investigations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.