By Frank Ulom
A commercial mini-bus driver allegedly killed a traffic enforcement official attached to the during an altercation in Calabar, Cross River State capital.
The incident occurred on Monday at 10AM around the Marian Hills area of Calabar during a traffic enforcement operation by officials of the agency popularly known as TRAMRA (Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency), formerly DOPT (Department of Public Transport).
The deceased officer, identified as Akerete Okon, was said to have sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation and later died at the hospital.
According to a statement by the management of TRAMRA, Okon was allegedly stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by the commercial driver identified as Godwin Ukpai Okobo, leading to his death.
“The Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) announces with profound grief and outrage the killing of one of our officers, who was stabbed to death in the chest with a screwdriver by a commercial mini bus driver while on official duty.
“The incident occurred on 25, May 2026 at approximately 1000 Hours at calabar South. The officer was carrying out routine traffic management and regulatory enforcement to ensure the safety and order of road users. He was unarmed, in uniform, and performing his lawful duty when he was attacked without provocation.
“Despite efforts to save his life, our colleague succumbed to his injuries. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His death is a devastating loss to TRAMRA and to the public he served with dedication,” the statement read.
It added, “Assaulting and killing public officers who work daily to protect lives, reduce accidents, and maintain order on our roads is a direct attack on law, order, and every citizen’s right to safety. No traffic dispute, no matter how heated, justifies murder.”
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the police spokesperson in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary findings indicated that one Godwin Ukpai Okobo, a commercial mini-bus driver, was involved in an altercation with TRAMRA officials before the officer’s death.
“The Command is aware of the unfortunate incident. Preliminary information indicates that one Godwin Ukpai Okobo, ‘m’, a commercial mini-bus driver, was involved in an altercation with officials of TRAMRA yesterday around Marian Hills, Calabar, which allegedly resulted in the death of one Mr Akerete Okon, a TRAMRA officer, after he was rushed to the hospital,” the statement partly read.
Eitokpah said investigation into the incident had commenced to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
He assured residents that the police would carry out a thorough and impartial investigation and promised that further updates would be communicated to the public.
