A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State for allegedly stabbing his 20-year-old neighbour, Uwem Daniel Akpan, during a dispute at a residential compound. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Peters Street, Awi, where both the suspect and the victim lived as neighbours in the same compound.
Akpan was rushed to the Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar following the attack but was pronounced dead on arrival by medical staff. The state police public relations officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the remains of the victim have since been handed over to his family.
Police Confirm Arrest and Cooperation
ASP Eitokpah confirmed that the 16-year-old suspect is currently in police custody and has been cooperating with detectives handling the case. He added that the matter is being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar, where investigators will conduct a full inquiry and determine the appropriate legal steps.
“The case is being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Calabar, for further investigation and appropriate legal action in accordance with the law,” Eitokpah said.
Police Appeal for Calm
The police command also appealed to residents of Akamkpa and the wider Cross River State to avoid any form of reprisal or self-help as the investigation continues. Eitokpah urged the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while assuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while assuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated,” he said. He further assured that the command would keep the public informed as investigators uncover more details about what led to the fatal confrontation between the two neighbours.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident, the Abia State Police Command arrested Sara Innocent after she allegedly stabbed her husband during a domestic dispute in Obingwa LGA. The incident happened on August 8, 2026, at Umuokereke Ngwa, just eight months after the couple married in December 2025. Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka confirmed the suspect was in custody while the investigation continues at the State CID.
Additionally, Legit.ng reported that police arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly stabbing his childhood friend to death over a sachet water dispute. The argument reportedly started during preparations for Maghrib prayer and escalated into a fatal confrontation. The victim died from his injuries as police confirmed the arrest and launched an investigation.
