Peace has finally been restored to Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State after a violent gun duel between personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Police, a development that left at least two Police officers dead, while operatives on both sides sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The clash reportedly started yesterday after some Police personnel accosted some Naval Officers for violating traffic laws at the Eugene Esuene Stadium junction. The Naval officers after assaulting the Police Officers, allegedly reinforced and stormed the Akim Police Station, situated along Akim Road and burnt down the station.
The State Governor, Prof Ben. Ayade while addressing newsmen after today's State Security Council Meeting in Calabar admonished residents to go about their lawful duties without fear or hindrance, assuring that the ugly development would not repeat itself.
According to him "I want to assure the citizenry, and indeed Nigerians, that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arouse from the misunderstanding between the Police and the Navy".
He added that "the senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest the situation yesterday. We are proud to announce to you that Calabar, and indeed Cross River is totally calm”.
Responding the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Commodore Salihu Jubril disclosed that the Navy was disappointed in the incident and assured that the culprits would be brought to book. He said "let me assure you that the culprits would be properly investigated and appropriate sanction meted on them".
The Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa also assured residents that the state status as the safest place was not in doubt. He added that "all the Service Commanders are one and active partners in progress particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property".
Meanwhile, the state Governor has promised to take responsibility for all the associated damages on both sides while urging all security operatives in the state to see themselves as partners in the quest to make the society a better place.
