Beer Parlour Brawl Turns Fatal In Akwa-Ibom
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH
THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Essien James, a former ExxonMobil contract worker, following a violent confrontation in Eket Local Government Area. The incident, which reportedly occurred at a beer parlour, is currently under investigation by the police.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, told journalists in Eket on Saturday that James got into a fight with one Lawrence Alfred on 6 December. Azare said the matter was reported to the police on 8 December by the family of the deceased, prompting an immediate investigation.
According to the police chief, the suspect has since been arrested and remains in custody while detectives work to establish the sequence of events that led to the fatal outcome. He said the command is gathering statements from witnesses and awaiting medical reports to support the investigation.
Contrary to the official account, a family source disclosed that the altercation occurred while both men were drinking at a beer parlour. The source claimed that an argument ensued, leading to a physical fight in which the suspect allegedly knocked James to the ground and struck him on the head with a stone. The victim was rushed to hospital but was declared dead by medical personnel. The suspect allegedly fled to another local government area before his eventual arrest.
