Akwa Ibom police arrest homicide suspect, six others over deadly stabbing and burning of village head’s residence

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a homicide suspect and 6 different people in reference to a deadly stabbing incident and the next burning of the residence and car 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 an announcement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

According to John, the incident, which occurred on November 2, 2026, was reported to the Police within the early hours of November 3, 2026, following a misery name from a involved particular person.

Preliminary investigations revealed {that a} misunderstanding reportedly arose between one Ifiok Akpan, aged 42, and the deceased, Ukeme Jonah, over the sharing of household 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 assertion learn.

“The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

“Following his demise, the deceased’s corpse was reportedly taken to the compound of the Village Head. In a subsequent growth, some people, allegedly appearing in retaliation, set the Village Head’s residence ablaze and in addition burnt his Toyota 4Runner car. The extent of the harm and the worth of the property destroyed are but to be ascertained.

“Acting swiftly on the report, Police operatives arrested the principal murder suspect, Ifiok Akpan, at his hideout.

“In an extra coordinated operation, operatives proceeded to the scene of the incident at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3, 2026, the place six further suspects had been arrested in reference to 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.