Seven people arrested for murder and burning village head's home

The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested seven people for the stabbing death of a man and the burning of a village head’s home and vehicle in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

This incident happened on 2 November at Ukana Mbak Ukot Village, Odoro Ikot Clan. It started after two men had a disagreement over sharing family money, according to the police.

The victim was named as Ukeme Jonah, while the main suspect in the murder is Ifiok Akpan, 42.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, police spokesperson Timfon John said Mr Akpan allegedly attacked Mr Jonah with a broken bottle during their argument. This attack caused a serious wound on Mr Jonah's abdomen.

"The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries," said Ms John, who is a deputy superintendent of police.

After the attack, the police said the victim's body was taken to the compound of the village head, Akpan Brown. Some people then allegedly set the village head’s house and his Toyota vehicle on fire as revenge.

The police received a report about the incident in the early hours of 3 November after a concerned person made a distress call.

According to the police, they arrested Mr Akpan at his hideout after they received the report.

On 3 November, the police arrested six more suspects for the alleged arson. The new suspects are Godwin Sunday, 42; Francis Dominic, 28; Julius Archibong, 52; Kingsley Ukeme, 23; Paulinus Bede, 28; and Udeme Tommy, 40.

All six suspects are from Ukana Mbak Ukot Village in Odoro Ikot Clan. The seven suspects are now in police custody. The body of the deceased has been taken to a mortuary for an autopsy.

The police said they have not yet assessed the total damage to the village head’s property or the value of what was destroyed.

These arrests happened days after the Chairperson of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Ntiedo Usoro, visited the village head’s compound. He went there to see the damage and to ask for calm in the community.

In a statement on Facebook from the Media Unit of the Office of the Council Chairperson, Mr Usoro encouraged residents and youths not to act in ways that could make tensions worse in the community.

He also mentioned that security operatives had arrested some suspects and told residents to let the authorities handle the investigation.

The chairman warned that anyone found guilty would face serious consequences under the law.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, has ordered a full investigation into what happened. He wants to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

The police condemned violence, arson, and property destruction. They warned residents not to take the law into their own hands.

"No grievance, misunderstanding, or perceived injustice justifies taking the law into one’s hands," the statement said.

The command urged residents to stay calm and report any criminal activities to the nearest police station. They also assured the public that they are committed to protecting lives and property across the state.