Police in Cross River State have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the alleged stabbing death of 20-year-old Uwem Daniel Akpan. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 31, 2026, at around 7:30pm on Peters Street in Awi community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The Cross River State Police Command said the victim sustained stab wounds during a misunderstanding and was rushed to the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar for treatment, where doctors confirmed him dead. His body was later taken away by his family.
Police Confirm Arrest and Investigation
In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is in police custody. He stated: "The Cross River State Police Command has commenced investigation into the death of a 20-year-old male, Uwem Daniel Akpan, who was allegedly stabbed during a misunderstanding at Peters Street, Awi, Cross River, on 31 August 2026. A 16-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody. The Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and the alleged involvement of the suspect."
The police spokesperson added that the case is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar, where detectives will conduct a full investigation before the next legal steps are taken.
Appeal for Calm and Avoidance of Jungle Justice
ASP Eitokpah also appealed to residents not to resort to jungle justice or retaliatory attacks while the investigation continues. He said: "Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses and relevant facts are established."
Violent confrontations that begin as ordinary disagreements continue to claim lives in different parts of Nigeria, with security agencies repeatedly urging people to walk away from heated arguments instead of allowing them to escalate into deadly violence.
