Normalcy Returns to Calabar as Ayade Wades into Police, Navy Fracas

•  Osinbajo to visit Calabar thursday

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

There are indications that normalcy has returned to Calabar, the Cross River State capital after a part of the city recorded chaos following a fracas between men of the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday night.

Addressing journalists wednesday, the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, who rose from State Security Council meeting in Government House, Calabar, urged the citizenry to go about their legitimate businesses as normalcy has returned to the affected area.

“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, ”Ayade said.

Continuing Ayade stated: “However, the senior officers were quiet 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 today)”.

The governor however, regretted the incident and 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, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy have 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 step 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 roll 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 sanctioned.

During the violent face-off at least the policemen were allegedly killed while the Akim Divisional Headquarters of the police was burnt down by the rampaging naval men who also invaded the Akim police barrack, destroyed properties, and injured many people.