A 16-year-old boy has been arrested by the police in Cross River State over the alleged stabbing death of a 20-year-old man, Uwem Daniel Akpan, following a misunderstanding.
The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Peters Street, Awi, in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
Vanguard gathered that the suspect and the deceased were neighbours who lived in the same compound.
According to the police, Akpan was rushed to the Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, after sustaining stab wounds but was pronounced dead by doctors upon arrival.
His remains have since been released to his family.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the 16-year-old suspect was promptly arrested and was assisting detectives with the investigation.
“A 16-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody,” Eitokpah said in a statement.
He added that the case file would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Calabar, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
“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,” the PPRO said.
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands while investigations continue.
“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,” Eitokpah said.
He assured the public that further information would be released as the investigation progresses and more facts surrounding the incident are established.