It took the swift intervention of the governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade to avert what could have been another round of bloodshed in the clash between the Nigerian Navy and Police in Calabar, the state capital.
Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that the police were already gearing up to launch a reprisal attack, having lost two of its men in the fight which happened on Tuesday night.
According to Police sources, two policemen were allegedly shot dead by men of the Nigerian Navy in the fierce battle which saw several vehicles burnt down at the Akim Police barracks.
The police source who confided in the Nigerian Tribune said a corporal and a sergeant were gunned down by men of the Nigerian Navy.
However, in bid to forestall further hostilities, Governor Ben Ayade convened an emergency state security council meeting with service commanders.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the governor urged the citizenry to go about their legitimate businesses as normalcy has return to the affected area.
According to Ayade, “I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened 18:00 hours yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, the citizenry and indeed Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arose from the misunderstanding between the officers, one from the police force and a naval officer.”
Continuing he maintained that, “However, the senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest early the situation yesterday and today we are proud to announce to you that Calabar and indeed Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful, already agog to receive the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow.”
In his narration, “The unfortunate incident that arose from an issue at a check point, traffic light spot at the stadium off IBB Road where a police officer was trying to control traffic that led to misunderstanding between himself a team of young naval officers who were at that check point resulting to physical combat.”
He further stated that, “This has nothing to do with the conspiracy between the Nigerian Police and the Navy. Two individuals disagreed at the point and it lead to reinforcement from their barracks. Luckily, their senior officers and their commanders quickly intervened and the place is calm.”
The governor, however, regretted the incident promised to take full responsibility for all the associated damages on both sides while urging officers and men operating in the state to see themselves as partners in progress at all times.
On his part the Commander, Nigerian Navy Victory command, Commodore Sid Jubril said that, “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday. However, we are very delighted to tell you that normalcy has returned.”
Reacting to the claim in some quarters that the incident affected the entire state capital, Jubril explained that, “The incident only affected a portion of IBB, not the entire metropolis and we are fully on ground to prevent possible escalation.
“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them,” he added and promised adequate protection of lives and property of the citizenry within the domain.
Also speaking the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated that, “To align with what the governor has said earlier, yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.”
Continuing he said, “We are glad to announce to the populace that Calabar and the entire state is calm and our status as the safest state remains without a doubt.
“All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”
While allaying fears of possible escalation Hafiz explained that, “In life, you cannot rule out such misunderstanding from time to time, but we are more determined and ready to move above board in discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”
He assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the offenders legitimately sanction.