By Kelvin Ololo
The Cross River State Police Command has issued an official response to earlier reports on the Utuhu Junction incident in Obanliku Local Government Area, where a young man, Peter Odey, sustained a gunshot injury during a police operation.
The incident had sparked tension within the community.
In a press statement on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police said operatives were on a lawful mission to arrest suspects linked to a case of Assault Occasioning Harm reported by one Elizabeth Akinya. Not as reported in some quarters, dismissing claims that the operation was connected to unlawful gambling.
According to the statement, the suspects identified as Peter Odey, Michael Ashaba, and others violently resisted arrest on February 9, 2026, at about 2PM, mobilized youths, and attacked the police team.
The Command said the confrontation led to the forceful seizure of two assault rifles from the officers, escalating the situation and posing a serious threat to public safety.
The Police explained that in the course of efforts to prevent the escape of armed suspects and recover the stolen firearms, Peter Odey sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately taken to Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu, for medical treatment. Three police officers injured during the attack were also treated at the General Hospital in Sankwala.
The incident had earlier triggered unrest among youths at the busy Utuhu Junction before calm was restored through the intervention of the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke.
The Command disclosed that, with the support of military tactical teams, community leaders, and government authorities, the two assault rifles were recovered, the patrol vehicle retrieved, and normalcy restored to the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Police Command announced that an internal investigation has been launched, stressing that no police officer is above the law. The public is urged to remain calm, avoid speculation, and allow due process to take its course.
The Command added that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
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