Akwa Ibom: Police arrest suspect in brutal killing of youth leader

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Joseph Okon Eren, the alleged killer of a youth leader, Ekopimo Effiong Moses, in the state.

Eren, a native of Uruan Local Government Area, was accused of attacking Moses with a machete during a heated argument that escalated into a violent fight in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. The confrontation tragically ended with the death of the youth leader.

Speaking to journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, the state capital, police spokesperson DSP Timfon John said the arrest was made after the village head promptly reported the incident.

She said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested and detained a suspect in connection with the death of a man following a violent altercation in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

“On Thursday, September 11, 2025, at approximately 6:00pm, operatives of the command received a report from a village head (name withheld).

“The village head stated that the community youths’ president, Ekopimo Effiong Moses, a 34-year-old, had a misunderstanding with Joseph Okon Eren, a 37-year-old, who resides in the village, but is originally from Ikot Obiondobo in Uruan LGA.

“The disagreement escalated into a physical fight, during which both men used machetes. Ekopimo Effiong Moses sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.

“He was later pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. The suspect, Joseph Okon Eren, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. A machete, believed to be the weapon used in the incident, has been recovered.

“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue. The command has launched a discreet investigation into the matter,” she said.