The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven persons, including a 42-year-old murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, over an alleged fatal stabbing and the subsequent burning of a village head’s residence and vehicle in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred in Odoro Ikot Clan on November 2, 2026, reportedly followed a disagreement between Akpan and the deceased, identified as Ukeme Jonah, over the sharing of family funds.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the incident was reported to the police in the early hours of November 3 by a concerned individual.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the disagreement allegedly escalated when Akpan attacked Jonah with a broken bottle, inflicting a deep wound on his abdomen.
The victim was subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention but later died from his injuries.
John said that following the victim’s death, his corpse was reportedly taken to the compound of the village head, after which some individuals allegedly retaliated by setting the traditional ruler’s residence and Toyota 4Runner vehicle ablaze.
She stated that police operatives, acting on the report, tracked and arrested the principal murder suspect at his hideout.
In a coordinated operation later on November 3, at about 11:45 a.m., operatives proceeded to the scene and arrested six additional suspects allegedly linked to the arson.
The suspects were identified as Godwin Sunday, 42; Francis Dominic, 28; Julius Archibong, 52; Kingsley Ukeme, 23; Paulinus Bede, 28; and Udeme Tommy, 40. All six are reportedly indigenes of Ukana Mbak Ukot Village in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson added that the deceased’s body had been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has directed a thorough and discreet investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The seven suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
