Tension escalated in Cross River State after angry youths and women stormed a police facility in Ogoja over the arrest of a murder suspect.
Residents from Nwang I and II communities, along with others from the Ekajuk Clan, gathered at the Ogoja Area Command demanding the suspect’s release.
The suspect, Malime Sunday Ejor, 35, was arrested for allegedly killing his 26-year-old girlfriend, Moshie Lucy Igu.
According to the police spokesperson, Sunday Etiokpah, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim at a farm before dragging her to a nearby stream, where he inflicted machete cuts that led to her death.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene. The suspect was apprehended and rescued from an attempted mob action by angry youths. He is currently in police custody for his safety and ongoing investigation,” he stated.
The situation worsened when protesters stormed the police facility, insisting on the suspect’s release.
According to the police, the crowd became violent, attacking officers and damaging property.
“Further information reaching us… that women and youths from Nwang I & II… stormed our Office… demanding the release of the murder suspect…”
“The crowd turned violent, attacking officers and damaging a Hyundai vehicle and parts of the RRS building. Smoke canisters were deployed to disperse them, and eight suspects were arrested,” the statement read.
Security operatives eventually brought the situation under control.
Eight suspects were initially arrested but later released to a community leader to help ease tensions.
Authorities confirmed that normalcy has been restored in the area.
Police also confirmed that the main suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation.
The victim’s remains are yet to be deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja as arrangements are ongoing.
Sunday Etiokpah appealed to residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
Authorities assured that justice would be served and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
The incident highlights growing concerns over mob actions in parts of Nigeria, where communities sometimes attempt to enforce justice outside legal processes.
Security agencies continue to stress the importance of due process and cooperation with law enforcement.
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