A 42-year-old man has been killed in Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, following a dispute reportedly sparked by a N500 cash gift.

The deceased, identified as Ayei Ekpe Ibor of Okonobngha, Ajere, was allegedly stabbed during an altercation with Ebino Mbang Ikpi of Kekoti. Police said Ibor died from injuries sustained in the incident.

According to Cross River Watch, citing the Cross River State Police Command, information about the killing prompted an immediate search for the alleged attacker, who reportedly fled the area after the incident. Operatives later traced Ikpi to a hideout around the Ajere-Ekori axis and arrested him at about 8:40am.

The arrest, however, triggered a separate confrontation at the Ekori Police Division. Police said a group of sympathisers, apparently seeking the suspect’s release, descended on the station after discovering that he had already been moved elsewhere.

The protesters allegedly pelted the station with stones, damaging seven windows, an office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roof and the passenger-side window of the Divisional Police Officer’s vehicle. The Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly assaulted over allegations that he helped the Police.

Police personnel eventually dispersed the crowd and restored order, with additional security personnel deployed to reinforce the station.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered the transfer of the murder suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. He also directed investigators to track down those allegedly involved in the attack on the police facility and destruction of property.

The Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, urged residents to remain calm, warning that attacks on security formations and interference with criminal investigations would attract legal action.