The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a murder suspect and six other individuals in connection with a fatal stabbing incident and the subsequent burning of the residence and vehicle of a village head in Ukana Mbak Ukot Village, Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to John, the incident, which occurred on November 2, 2026, was reported to the Police in the early hours of November 3, 2026, following a distress call from a concerned individual.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a misunderstanding reportedly arose between one Ifiok Akpan, aged 42, and the deceased, Ukeme Jonah, over the sharing of family funds.
“In the course of the disagreement, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a broken bottle, inflicting a deep stab wound to his abdomen,” the statement read.
“The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
“Following his death, the deceased’s corpse was reportedly taken to the compound of the Village Head. In a subsequent development, some individuals, allegedly acting in retaliation, set the Village Head’s residence ablaze and also burnt his Toyota 4Runner vehicle. The extent of the damage and the value of the property destroyed are yet to be ascertained.
“Acting swiftly on the report, Police operatives arrested the principal murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, at his hideout.
“In a further coordinated operation, operatives proceeded to the scene of the incident at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3, 2026, where six additional suspects were arrested in connection with the arson.
“The arrested suspects are Godwin Sunday, 42yrs; Francis Dominic, 28yr; Julius Archibong, 52yrs; Kingsley Ukeme, 23yrs; Paulinus Bede, 28yrs; and Udeme Tommy, 40yrs. All six suspects are indigenes of Ukana Mbak Ukot Village, Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while the corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.”
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.
The Command strongly condemned all acts of violence, jungle justice, arson and destruction of property.
It reiterated that no grievance, misunderstanding or perceived injustice justifies taking the law into one’s hands.
The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from acts capable of breaching public peace and report criminal activities to the nearest police station.
The Command assured residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone found engaging in criminal activities.
