By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The security personnel attached to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu have allegedly killed a 23-year-old man, Moses Onyekachi Mba, who went to preach to him at his residence in Calabar.
The incident which happened on 1st August 2025 was alleged to have been swept under the carpet until Thursday, 28th August 2025, when the victim’s mother, Mrs Victoria Onyekwere Mba, took to social media to demand justice.
According to Mrs Mba, her son went to the Governor’s residence to preach and to tell him about the vision he had about the state, but was beaten and shot by the security agents guarding the Governor.
She said it took the effort of the Red Cross to take the victim to the hospital, eight hours after he was shot, because the security personnel had abandoned him to die.
“My name is Mrs Mba Onyekwere Victoria, I am from Abia State but based in Calabar, Cross River. On the 1st of August, my first son, who will be turning 23 years by November, was brutally murdered by Cross River State Governor’s aides, because he went to the Cross River State Governor’s residence to preach the gospel to him and tell him the vision he had for the State.
“The governor’s aides beat him and shot him, an unarmed civilian for that matter. And after they shot him, they abandoned him there to die. He was shot by 11 AM and was taken to the hospital by 7 PM by the Red Cross,” her Facebook post noted.
Adding, “We have written a petition to the Zone 6 (Police), but nothing has been done for 3 weeks now…I’ve been trying to fight this case legally through the law and the government, but they are trying to deprive us of Justice…
“The AIG (Zone 6) sent a notice to them to provide those men who were involved in his (son) murder, but nothing has been done to date. They say that the governor’s name is involved and nothing will be done about it.
“Please help us, I’m a mother who has lost my son after the sweat of everything I’ve done for my son, now that I am supposed to reap the reward of my labour they killed my son (sic).
“Please, the boy is not a criminal that they would beat him, or armed, that they will shoot him. Please, please help us. I need justice for him, we have proof and every other thing (sic).
“We, the family of Mr Stephen Nnanna Mba, are seeking justice.”
Mrs Mba also added two phone numbers in case anyone wants to help: 08101291995 and 08154582562.
Responding, the Cross River State Government, through a statement by Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, on Friday, said the Governor condemned the recklessness of the police officer who killed the 23-year-old and demanded justice in return.
“The Government of Cross River State condemns in the strongest terms the tragic incident of August 1, 2025, in which one Onyekachi Moses (23 years) male, allegedly lost his life, after some days in the Hospital following injuries sustained from the reckless actions of a Police Officer in Calabar.
“Accordingly, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State has directed the Commissioner of Police to effect the immediate arrest and thorough investigation of the officer implicated in this grievous misconduct.
“We reaffirm that under this Administration, impunity has no sanctuary. The Government views this incident not only as a violation of human dignity but also as an affront to the principles of justice, security, and order we swore to uphold. Those entrusted with protecting lives cannot become purveyors of fear and tragedy. Let it be known unequivocally: any officer who betrays this sacred duty will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“To the bereaved family, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers in this painful hour. The Cross River State Government stands firmly by you, assuring that justice will not be delayed nor denied. We urge our citizens to remain calm, peaceful, and confident in our collective resolve to seek truth and enforce justice. This government shall not rest until the memory of the departed is honoured with transparent accountability and the assurance that such impunity will never again be tolerated,” the statement by Ekpang read.
