Cross River stabbing death: 36-year-old man dies after argument in Ikom LGA, police arrest suspect and recover weapon for investigation

A 36-year-old man, Charles Ekuma Eze, has died following a stabbing incident during an argument in Etayip Community, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State on 4 July 2026, in what authorities have described as a tragic case of interpersonal violence that escalated fatally.

Also read: Nigeria Police Secure Convictions in Major Katsina Arms Trafficking and Terrorism Case

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Calabar on Monday through its spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sunday Eitokpah, who said the command received an official report at about 10:37 p.m. on the day of the incident at the Ikom Police Division.

According to the police, the report was filed by Ndifon Ndifon of Aya Street, Ikom, and Felix Agbor of Mankono Village, Ikom, who serve as community task force chairman and youth leader respectively.

Preliminary findings revealed that the victim, aged 36, was allegedly stabbed on the right side of his rib with a dagger by Michael Ndifon, 42, during an argument at about 5:46 p.m. the same day.

The victim was initially rushed to Holy Family Hospital in Ikom for emergency treatment before being referred to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel while receiving care.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and the alleged murder weapon recovered as an exhibit. The deceased’s body has also been deposited in the hospital morgue for an autopsy.

“The corpse has been deposited in the hospital morgue for an autopsy. The suspect has been arrested, and the suspected murder weapon recovered as an exhibit,” Eitokpah said.

He added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a more detailed and discreet investigation, noting that further updates would be communicated as inquiries progress.

Also read: Nigeria Police Secure Convictions in Major Katsina Arms Trafficking and Terrorism Case

The incident has left residents of Etayip Community unsettled, as authorities continue to urge calm while emphasising that the law will take its full course in addressing the matter.