Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested the village head of Ibagwa in Abak Local Government Area, Chief Friday Jonah Umoren, for allegedly attempting to murder his sister during a family dispute.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, disclosing that Umoren shot his 32-year-old sister, Unwana Effiong Friday Inyang, in the head with a locally made single-barrel gun.
According to the police, the victim sustained serious injuries but was rushed to a hospital, where she is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
John explained that the arrest followed a report lodged by a member of the family, who alleged that the traditional ruler attacked his sister during an altercation over ownership of palm fruits in the village.
She said, “On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command received a report of an attempted murder. The suspect, Chief Friday Jonah Umoren, allegedly shot his sister, Unwana Effiong Friday Inyang, 32, in the head with a gun.
The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested at the scene. A long, single-barrel gun, believed to have been used in the attack, was recovered.”
The police spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed the incident stemmed from a lingering family quarrel over palm fruit ownership, which escalated into violence.
She assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while urging residents to seek lawful ways of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
The development has sparked shock among residents of Ibagwa community, who described the incident as “a sad stain on the image of traditional leadership in the area.”
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