Mob Storms Cross River Police Station Over Murder Case

Tension erupted in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State on Monday as angry youths and women staged a protest at the Ogoja Area Command of the police.

The demonstrators, drawn from Nwang I and II communities and other parts of the Ekajuk Clan, demanded the release of a man accused of murder.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Malime Sunday Ejor, was arrested over the alleged killing of his girlfriend, 26-year-old Moshie Lucy Igu. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday at a farm located in Nwang Village.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, Sunday Etiokpah, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim at the farm before dragging her to a nearby stream. He was said to have inflicted severe machete injuries on her, leading to her death.

Police operatives responded swiftly after receiving the report and arrived at the scene. The suspect was arrested and reportedly rescued from an attempted mob lynching by enraged youths. He has since been held in police custody for protection and ongoing investigation.

Etiokpah further disclosed that arrangements were still being made to deposit the victim’s body at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja.

However, the situation escalated on Monday when protesters stormed the police facility, insisting that the suspect be released to them.

The police spokesperson explained that the protest quickly turned violent, with some members of the crowd attacking officers and damaging property. A Hyundai vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) building were vandalised during the unrest.

Security operatives eventually used smoke canisters to disperse the crowd and restore order. Eight individuals were arrested in connection with the disturbance but were later released to a community leader in an effort to calm tensions.

Etiokpah confirmed that the murder suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation.

He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring the public that justice will be served through proper legal channels.