Police Arrest Seven Murder, Arson Suspects In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested seven suspects, including a principal murder suspect, 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 (LGA).

‎The incidents occurred at Ukana Mbak Ukot village, Odoro Ikot Clan, following a reported disagreement over the sharing of family funds between the deceased, identified as Ukeme Jonah, and one Ifiok Akpan, aged 42, on November 2, 2026.

‎According to the Police, preliminary investigations revealed that the disagreement allegedly degenerated into violence when Akpan attacked Jonah with a broken bottle, inflicting a deep wound on his abdomen.

‎The victim was reportedly rushed to a hospital for medical attention but later died from the injuries sustained during the attack.

‎Following his death, the deceased’s corpse was reportedly taken to the compound of the village head, after which some individuals allegedly embarked on a reprisal attack, setting the traditional leader’s residence and his Toyota 4Runner vehicle ablaze.

‎The police said the incident was reported in the early hours of November 3, following a distress call from a concerned individual, prompting operatives of the Command to commence investigations.

‎In a swift operation, the principal suspect, Akpan, was arrested at his hideout, while six other suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation at the scene at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3.

‎The six additional 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 Ukana Mbak Ukot Village in Essien Udim.

‎The Police said the suspects were being held in custody as investigations continued, while the corpse of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

‎The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incidents and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.

‎The Command condemned the acts of violence, jungle justice, arson and destruction of property, warning that no grievance or perceived injustice could justify taking the law into one’s hands.

‎It urged residents to remain calm, avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace and report criminal activities to the nearest police station, assuring the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property.