Police Arrest Murder Suspect, Launch Manhunt After Attack on Ekori Division

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 42-year-old Ebino Mbang Ikpi in connection with the alleged killing of Ayei Ekpe Ibor, also aged 42, in Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area. According to the police, the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, after an alleged disagreement between the two men over an N500 gift reportedly given to both of them. The disagreement allegedly escalated into a fight during which Ibor was stabbed and later confirmed dead.

Following the incident, police operatives launched a search for Ikpi after he allegedly fled the scene. The police said officers eventually tracked him to a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area at about 8:40 a.m. and arrested him. He was taken to the Yakurr Police Division, where he was detained for further investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, subsequently directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

The arrest was followed by an attack on the Ekori Police Division. Police said sympathisers and other individuals mobilised at the station demanding the release of the suspect. After discovering that Ikpi was not being held there, the group allegedly threw stones at the facility, damaging seven windows, the DPO and DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror and part of the station’s roofing. The passenger-side glass of the DPO’s official vehicle was also reportedly damaged.

Police also reported that the residence of Ajere Youth Leader Omini Jacob was attacked after members of the group allegedly accused him of assisting the police in arresting the suspect. Officers responded by dispersing the crowd and restoring order, while the police station was reinforced by the Area Command and the Vigilance and Community Relations Unit in Ugep. The situation was subsequently brought under control, according to the command.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest everyone allegedly involved in the attack on the police station and the destruction of public and private property. The command urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigation into the alleged killing to proceed, while warning that attacks on police formations and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with according to the law. Further developments are expected as investigations continue.