Police in Cross River State have arrested 60 suspects, including traders, following the alleged assault of a police constable at Watt Market in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Goldie by Etim Edem Lane after the officer attempted to impound a motorcycle that had reportedly stepped on his leg while he was on duty.
According to the police, the constable was confronted by some roadside traders who allegedly attacked him and helped the motorcycle rider escape.
The officer said that during the incident, his riot gun was tampered with, while his uniform and shoes were torn. He also alleged that his Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken.
He further claimed that pepper and egg were poured on his face and body, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken from him.
The constable said he could identify some of the people involved in the alleged assault.
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Following the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed the command to gather intelligence, identify those involved and arrest anyone found culpable for prosecution.
The command’s patrol and surveillance teams at Atakpa Police Division were subsequently reinforced by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit, leading to the arrest of 60 suspects in the area.
The police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the suspects are undergoing screening and interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other people who may have participated in the incident.
Normalcy has since returned to Watt Market, while security personnel continue to monitor the area.
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