Man Stabbed To Death Over Alleged ₦500 Dispute In Cross River As Mob Attacks Police Station After Suspect’s Arrest
Man Stabbed To Death Over Alleged ₦500 Dispute In Cross River As Mob Attacks Police Station After Suspect’s Arrest
A 42-year-old man, identified as Ayei Ekpe Ibor, has been stabbed to death following an alleged dispute over ₦500 in Ajere, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Cross River State Police Command said the incident occurred after a misunderstanding between Ibor and another man identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi, both of Ajere in Yakurr Local Government Area.
According to the police, officers received information at about 1 a.m. on September 27, 2026, that Ibor had been stabbed during the disagreement.
The command said the dispute reportedly centred on ₦500 which had allegedly been given to both men as a gift. The disagreement later escalated into a physical fight, during which Ibor was stabbed.
Ibor was subsequently confirmed dead, according to the police statement.
Following the incident, the suspect, Ikpi, allegedly fled the area. Police officers later launched a search for him and eventually arrested him at a hideout around the Ajere-Ekori area at about 8:40 a.m.
The suspect was taken to the Yakurr Police Division, where he was detained for investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that Ikpi be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
However, shortly after the suspect’s arrest, trouble reportedly broke out at the Ekori Police Division after sympathisers and other residents gathered at the station demanding his release.
According to the police, the crowd became agitated after discovering that the suspect was not being held at the station.
The command alleged that members of the group subsequently attacked the police facility, throwing stones at the building and damaging several items.
The police said seven windows, the door of the Divisional Police Officer/Divisional Crime Officer’s office, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the station’s roof and the passenger-side window of the DPO’s official vehicle were damaged during the attack.
The police also alleged that the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was attacked at his residence after some people accused him of assisting the police in the matter.
Police officers were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order, while the station was reinforced with personnel from Ugep.
Commissioner Ordue subsequently ordered the identification and arrest of those allegedly involved in the attack on the police division and the destruction of public and private property.
The police said attacks on police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The command appealed to residents to remain calm and allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding Ibor’s death.
The investigation into the alleged stabbing and the attack on the police division is ongoing, while authorities are expected to provide further updates as the cases progress.
