By Patrick Obia
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The All Progressive Congress, APC, ward seven (7) youth leader in Calabar South, Mr. Emmanuel Joseph has been killed by trigger-happy Police officers.
The incident occurred at the venue of the party’s primary – cultural center, Calabar which houses the Anti-cultism/kidnapping unit of the Nigerian Police Force.
According to a family source who spoke with CrossRiverWatch the unfortunate incident started when Saviour Nyong and Deputy Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Joseph Bassey, who are the two leading aspirants, arrived at the venue with their supporters.
The two aspirants had fracas and began to exchange words and threatened themselves which was becoming rowdy. Then, Oliver Orok invited the Anti-cultism/Kidnapping personnel who came and started firing live bullets.
Unfortunately, Emmanuel Joseph who owns a car wash business at Ewa Ekeng street in Calabar South was shot directly in the chest by the officer suspected to be the Commander of the unit.
The source said after he was shot, the officer quickly started throwing teargas to disperse the people, covered the bloodstains on the ground with sand, and made away with his corpse into their office.
“They were where the APC primary election for Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi/ Calabar South Federal Constituency was taking place.
“Shortly after the aspirants arrived, first it was Hon. Saviour Nyong and later, Hon. Joseph Bassey also arrived with his supporters. He and Savour Nyong challenged themselves. Before you know it, Oliver Orok chased the people out and invited the Anti-cultism who came and started shooting. Their Commander then shot Emmanuel directly in the chest and he died on the spot.
“When he noticed Emmanuel was dead, he now poured teargas to disperse the people and then made away with his corpse into their office. They also immediately packed sand and covered his blood on the ground. At the moment they have not released his corpse or allowed family members access,” the source narrated.