2 Killed, Police Station Attacked As Police, Navy Clash In Calabar
Posted on May 31, 2017
DAVID ODEY
Two persons have been reported killed in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, following a clash between the police and Naval personnel Tuesday.
The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo, confirmed that two policemen died while another officer who was injured was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
Sources said the incident was triggered off after a naval rating was allegedly shot by a policeman following an altercation.
The naval rating was alleged to have defied the traffic light at an intersection in the metropolis and when he was accosted by policemen, an argument ensued, resulting in the shooting of the naval rating.
Hell broke loose when the naval rating was taken to their barracks for treatment where he was later transferred to a hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Naval personnel reportedly reinforced and attacked policemen, destroyed the traffic stand opposite the U.J. Esuene Stadium and went ahead to destroy part of Akim Police Station.
There were sporadic gun shots while the fracas lasted for several hours Tuesday night.
NNS Victory Commander, Commodore Salihu Jubril, who briefed the press last night in the wake of the attack, said anti-crime outfit, Operation Skolombo, had taken charge of the situation.
Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to Calabar as Governor Ben Ayade waded into the fracas after an emergency security council meeting at Government House, Calabar, Wednesday.
Ayade urged the citizenry to go about their businesses as normalcy has returned to the affected area.
According to Ayade, “I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened 6.pm yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, the citizenry and indeed Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arose from the misunderstanding between the officers, one from the police Force and a Naval officer.”
The Governor maintained that “the senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest the situation yesterday and today. We are proud to announce to you that Calabar and indeed, Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful. It is already agog to receive the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow.”
Ayade further cleared the air that “this has nothing to do with rivalry between the Nigerian Police and the Navy. It was just about two individuals disagreeing at the point and leading to reinforcement from their barracks. Luckily, their senior officers and their commanders quickly intervened and the place is calm.”
The governor, however, regretted the incident, promising to take full responsibility for all the associated damage caused on both sides while urging officers and men operating in the state to see themselves as partners in progress at all times.
On his part, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Victory command, Commodore S.I.D. Jubril said: “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday. I am, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy has returned.”
Reacting to the claim in some quarters that the incident affected the entire state capital, Jubril explained: “The incident only affected a portion of IBB Way and not the entire metropolis and we are fully on ground to prevent possible escalation.
“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them.”
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police. Mr. Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated: “To align with what the governor has said earlier, yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.”
He disclosed that “We are glad to announce to the populace that Calabar and the entire state is calm and our status as the safest state remains without a doubt.
“All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”
Hafiz further explained that “In life, you cannot rule out such misunderstanding from time to time but we are more determined and ready to move above board in discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”
He assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the offenders legitimately sanctioned.
According to Ayade, “I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened 6.pm yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, the citizenry and indeed Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arose from the misunderstanding between the officers, one from the police Force and a Naval officer.”
The Governor maintained that “the senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest the situation yesterday and today. We are proud to announce to you that Calabar and indeed, Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful. It is already agog to receive the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow.”
Ayade further cleared the air that “this has nothing to do with rivalry between the Nigerian Police and the Navy. It was just about two individuals disagreeing at the point and leading to reinforcement from their barracks. Luckily, their senior officers and their commanders quickly intervened and the place is calm.”
The governor, however, regretted the incident, promising to take full responsibility for all the associated damage caused on both sides while urging officers and men operating in the state to see themselves as partners in progress at all times.
On his part, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Victory command, Commodore S.I.D. Jubril said: “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday. I am, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy has returned.”
Reacting to the claim in some quarters that the incident affected the entire state capital, Jubril explained: “The incident only affected a portion of IBB Way and not the entire metropolis and we are fully on ground to prevent possible escalation.
“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them.”
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police. Mr. Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated: “To align with what the governor has said earlier, yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.”
He disclosed that “We are glad to announce to the populace that Calabar and the entire state is calm and our status as the safest state remains without a doubt.
“All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”
Hafiz further explained that “In life, you cannot rule out such misunderstanding from time to time but we are more determined and ready to move above board in discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”
He assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the offenders legitimately sanctioned.
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