A 54-year-old murder suspect, Mr. Nkeruewen Etuk, was paraded by the Cross River State Police Command alongside 18 others, including an ex-convict and two PHCN staff. Etuk confessed to beating his girlfriend, Miss Esther Ndereke, to death a few days ago due to her carelessly burning his rice and almost setting their apartment ablaze.
Etuk, in his statement to the police, revealed that he did not intend to kill his girlfriend but acted out of anger when she failed to cook rice properly, leading to an argument that turned violent. He explained that she had almost burnt down the house while cooking, and in his frustration, he beat her up, resulting in her tragic demise.
During a press briefing on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah, expressed gratitude to the media for their continuous support in fighting crime. He urged the residents of Cross River State to speak out against criminal activities and not remain silent.
CP Grimah further disclosed that 19 suspects have been apprehended within the period under review for various crimes, including kidnapping, murder, vandalism, armed robbery, and others. Among the suspects, 12 were arrested for armed robbery, attempted murder, and cultism, while two others were apprehended for vandalizing a PHEDC power line. Additionally, five suspects were arrested for burglary and cultism.
The commissioner emphasized that the fight against criminality would be taken to every nook and cranny of the state. He called on residents to refrain from violence, lawlessness, or self-help, and instead seek legal redress in settling disputes. He encouraged the adoption of the whistle-blowing policy and cooperation with the police and other security agencies to combat criminal elements that aim to cause panic and breach of peace.
