BY AGOSI EZIN
Barely two days to the Acting President Mr. Bisi Osinbanjo’s Visit to Cross River, two persons feared dead and many others sustained gunshot injuries as Navy and Police in Cross River state clashed.
This development caused serious pandemonium in parts of Calabar , Tuesday night as innocent residents were thrown into confusion, running helter , shelter for dear lives.
An eye witness reports that, there was an argument between a police officer and some naval personnel at IBB way in Akim community near Akim Police Barracks leading to a violent clash between both parties.
It was further reported that two unidentified persons were shot dead in the shootout between the police and the navy that lasted for hours.
Top Navy officials of the Eastern Naval Command who pleaded anonymity said they were not aware of the incident but promised to open up soon as the matter is confirmed.
The crisis, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Irene Ugbo erupted following an argument between the police and naval personnel causing the naval man to beat up a senior police officer. Following this development, she said the navy officer was arrested and taken to the police station for interrogation.
She explained that when news of the arrest of the navy officer got to navy officers, they swiftly mobilized more of their men to the police station, probably to rescue their colleague which degenerated to crisis. And in the ensuing fracas, a policeman shot the navy on the shoulder, causing the escalation with sporadic shooting around the areas.
Addressing news men on the matter, the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade who rose from State Security Council meeting in Government House, Calabar on Wednesday morning, urged the citizenry to go about their legitimate businesses as normalcy has return to the affected area.
According to Ayade, “I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, general public and indeed, Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arouse from the misunderstanding between the officers, leading to the death of one from the police Force and a Naval officer.”
He commended the senior military officers who were proactive by intervening fast enough in arresting the situation yesterday .And today we are proud to announce to you that Calabar and indeed Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful while awaiting to receive the Acting President on Thursday.
According to him,, “the unfortunate incident arose from an issue at a check point, traffic light spot by the stadium, off IBB Road where a Police Officer was trying to control traffic that led to the misunderstanding between the police and a team of young Naval officers who were at that check point resulting to physical combat.
He said the crisis has nothing to do with rumored conspiracy between the Nigerian Police and the Navy. “Two individuals disagreeing at a point leading to reinforcing from their barracks. Luckily, their senior officers and their commanders quickly intervened and the place is calm.
The governor however, regretted the incident and promised to take full responsibility for all the associated damages 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 Salisu Jubril said that, “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy have returned.
“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them,” he stated. while promising adequate protection of lives and property of the citizenry within the domain.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police. Mr. Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated that, “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 among our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly step in to address”.
He said, “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”.
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