The Cross River State Police Command has refuted allegations that its operatives shot at protesting students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) during a demonstration in Calabar, describing a viral video circulating online as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Akata, the Command insisted that no live ammunition was used during the protest and that no student was shot or killed.
According to the police, the demonstration was triggered by the death of three students in a road accident that occurred on May 1 at Ikot Okon, near New Okurikang Junction in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Command stated that it received prior intelligence about the planned protest and deployed senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, to monitor the situation and maintain order.
The protest reportedly began peacefully, with police officers engaging student leaders in dialogue and urging restraint.
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However, the situation later escalated, with some protesters allegedly becoming violent during the procession.
The police claimed that vandalism occurred at the General Hospital in Calabar, where an ambulance and other facilities were damaged. Security operatives, according to the statement, responded using non-lethal crowd-control measures.
The procession later moved toward the Government House in Calabar, where some protesters were alleged to have attempted to forcefully enter the premises.
Government House, Calabar
In response, the Command said officers deployed controlled dispersal methods, including smoke canisters, strictly aimed at restoring order without the use of firearms.
The police further maintained that no fatalities were recorded during the protest and categorically denied any deaths resulting from police action.
Normalcy was later restored following the intervention of government officials and a meeting between student representatives and the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false and inflammatory narratives capable of inciting tension, emphasizing that its personnel acted professionally and within established public order protocols during the incident in Calabar.
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