By Jonathan Ugbal
In what seems a contrast to the expectations of many following the #EndSARS protests, residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital have accused personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force of brutality.
The city is still recovering from last weekend’s massive looting amidst a curfew.
A 24 hour curfew earlier put in place has been eased to 16 hours a day with the Army, Police as well as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps drafted into the streets.
A lawyer, Daniel Ekpo in a video said he was beaten by soldiers while heading to his chambers with a client whose rights had been infringed.
The incident occurred on Monday opposite GTBank at Marian road.
At Watt Market near the Atakpa police division headquarters which was attacked by loooters, policemen force passers-by to raise their hands.
“I was whipped and beaten for not raising my hand, they made me sit on the road for almost an hour,” a shop owner (name withheld) told this reporter.
Also, a legal practitioner and rights activist, James Ibor had said the Army personnel stationed at Efio-Ette roundabout were forcing those who returned from Church on Sunday to raise their hands.
His post on Facebook suggested the NSCDC was also complicit.
CALABAR: To whom it may concern. Soldiers and NSCDC in Effio Ette junction are asking women & children coming back from church to raise hands and run. This is irresponsible policing and UNACCEPTABLE
Posted by James Ibor on Sunday, October 25, 2020
Similar reports of abuses have been made at Bogobiri, IBB roundabout and Mary Slessor roundabout among others.
This Army don d over do o hmm
Posted by Mc DadiBoi Wilfred on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Army, Police PRO’s Silent…
Several calls to the phone lines of the Public Relations Officers of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade as well as the Cross River State command of the Nigerian Police Force; Captain Everest Ochienta and DSP Irene Ugbo were neither answered nor returned.
The duo were called at different times on Tuesday afternoon, evening and Wednesday morning.
Also, text messages and e-mails were neither acknowledged nor replied.
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