Police, on Wednesday night in Calabar, allegedly shot dead two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
at New Airport Road in Calabar South. An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said the incident happened at about 8pm when some armed policemen mounted road block close to the NSCDC State headquarters.
An argument ensued when Civil Defence officers who were also armed and in their own vehicle were returning to their station from patrol. “This led to a face-off between the two sister agencies, and in the process, one of the armed policemen drew his gun and fired at the Civil Defence officers.”
Our reporter further gathered that one of the officers, a sergeant in the Civil Defence, died on the spot, while another officer was rushed with bullet wounds to the hospital, but died yesterday morning.
The eyewitness said although the Civil Defence officers were armed, they did not return fire, but ran into their premises after which the policemen took off. The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Eremi Solomon, said one of their men lost his life, and not two as reported.
He said. “Our men were returning from official duty in our branded vehicle at about 8pm on Wednesday evening. They were stopped at a police checkpoint very close to our headquarters.
“Our men identified themselves. As one of them came down to speak with the policemen, he was shot. And he died instantly. “Now, we have complained in writing and verbally to both the state police commissioner and Inspector General of Police against the mounting of checkpoint at the vicinity of our headquarters to no avail.
“Now with this incident both authorities are aware of the incident as they have stepped in,” Eremi said. Eremi refused to disclose the identity of the deceased NSCDC officer, but confirmed that his remains were deposited in a mortuary.
Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Eluu, said they were aware of the incident and that the Police authorities in Cross River were investigating the incident.”
