Seven Arrested Following Fatal Dispute and Arson in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven individuals in connection with a fatal stabbing and subsequent arson incident in Essien Udim Local Government Area. The events, which took place in Ukana Mbak Ukot village, have prompted a formal investigation into allegations of murder and the destruction of property.

The Sequence of Events

According to reports provided by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the conflict originated on November 2, 2026, stemming from a disagreement over the distribution of family funds. The dispute involved 42-year-old Ukeme Jonah and another individual, identified by police as 42-year-old Ifiok Akpan.

Police preliminary investigations indicate that the verbal disagreement escalated into physical violence. Authorities state that Akpan allegedly used a broken bottle to inflict a severe abdominal wound on Jonah. Although the victim was transported to a medical facility for emergency treatment, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Reprisal and Arson

The situation intensified following the death of Jonah. Reports indicate that the victim’s body was taken to the residence of the local village head. Shortly thereafter, a group of individuals allegedly launched a reprisal attack, setting fire to the traditional leader’s home and destroying his Toyota 4Runner vehicle.

Law enforcement officials were alerted to the situation in the early hours of November 3, 2026, following a distress call. This prompted a rapid response from the Command, leading to the apprehension of the primary suspect, Ifiok Akpan, at a hideout. A subsequent operation at the scene resulted in the arrest of six additional suspects.

Police Investigation and Response

The six additional suspects arrested have been identified as:

• Godwin Sunday, 42
• Francis Dominic, 28
• Julius Archibong, 52
• Kingsley Ukeme, 23
• Paulinus Bede, 28
• Udeme Tommy, 40

All seven suspects are currently in police custody. The body of the deceased has been moved to a mortuary to undergo an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation. Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a discreet and thorough inquiry to determine the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In an official statement, the Command expressed strong condemnation of the violence and the resort to jungle justice. The police emphasized that no grievance justifies taking the law into one’s own hands and urged the local community to maintain peace, refrain from disruptive actions, and report criminal activity to the nearest station.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. Further details regarding the legal proceedings against the seven suspects have not yet been released.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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