By Archibong Jeremiah and Patrick Obia
Trigger Happy
Our newsroom has confirmed that two people were allegedly killed earlier today by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred in Ekpri Ikang. The altercation our newsroom confirmed began when officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (yet to be indentified) serving at the Bakassi division raided black market petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) dealers and seized their gallons.
The angered black marketer gave the NSCDC jeep carrying their gallons a hot chase. Attempting to scare away the pursuing black marketers, a trigger-happy NSCDC officer fired some shots and the strayed bullet caught two.
One of the victim is Effiong Ezekiel, a staff of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) who was on duty. The other is a black marketer also in the hot chase after the officers, his details are yet to be gotten.
Angry Bakassi Youths Protest, Touch NSCDC Office
Angry Bakassi youths protested the act and in the process touched the LGAs NSCDC divisional office and burnt a Toyota Hilux jeep and part of the building.
From Bakassi, they protesters headed to Calabar, the State capital which is 40 minutes drive from the LGA with the dead bodies.
On reaching Calabar, they were stopped at Eta Agbor by UNICAL main gate by combined security team.
Pictures of the NSCDC office touched below:
Pictures and video from the protest in Calabar, Eta Agbor:
Officials React
When contacted, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Danjuma Elisha told CrossRiverWatch, “I got the information and I am still interviewing my men about what happened, they are denying opening fire on anybody but we’re still investigating it.
“You know, in issues like this you don’t jump into conclusion, we have checked their riffles, their armour and they’re still intact.
“I learnt they went to our office, burnt down the Hilux vehicle that was there and even burn down the office. That was what I heard, thought I’m not sure of it because they’re yet to send me pictures. They attempted holding two of our men hostage but the military was able to intervene and the other two yet to be rescued we have gotten in touch with one, my men are in the matter.”
Chief Ani Esin, State Security Adviser to the State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade told CrossRiverWatch on phone that, “I’m aware of it. Two people were gunned down, one died on the spot and the other one is receiving treatment in the hospital. The remains has been deposited at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) mortuary.
“I also went there at the spot and make sure they quell the heat and we spoke with the family of the decease and also the youths of Bakassi and they have chosen to go back. The matter is under investigation and we will continue from there.”
Cry For Justice
The family of Effiong Ezekiel are currently in tears over the demise of their son who they said was on duty before kicking the bucket.
A call to his sister, Frank Edima Ezekiel who is a staff of Authur Jarvis university Akpabuyo revealed that the family is already considering a legal action.
She said, “Mr. Jerry I’m not happy at all, it’s my brother they killed. He went for work … We are seeking for justice.”
The corpses have been deposited at Infectious Desease Hospital (IDH) New Edgerly, Calabar South.
Other News
Relatively, a ghastly accident occurred before Lemma junction, 8 Miles, Calabar. More than 8 cars collided with oil truck.
See pictures below.
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