The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan and six other individuals in connection with a fatal stabbing of Ukeme Jonah in Ukana Mbak Ukot Village,Odoro Ikot Clan in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The incident culminated in the burning of the palace and vehicle of the village head of the community .
The six suspects arrested are; Godwin Sunday, Francis Dominic, Julius Archibong, Kingsley Ukeme, Paulinus Bede, and Udeme Tommy, all being indigenes of Ukana Mbak Ukot Village.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer ,DSP Timfon John said that the incident, occurred on November 2, 2026, and was reported to the Police in the early hours of November 3, 2026, following a distress call from a concerned individual.
She said investigations revealed that a misunderstanding reportedly arose between 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 victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” she said.
The statement further informed that following Jonah’s death, his body was reportedly taken to the village head’s palace , where some individuals, allegedly acting in retaliation, set the residence ablaze and also burnt his Toyota 4Runner vehicle while the extent of the damage and the value of the property destroyed are yet to be ascertained.
Police operatives arrested the principal murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, at his hideout and 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 suspects are currently in police custody, while the corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba 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 condemns 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 and advised 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.