Gunmen Kill Police Inspector, Kidnap 3 in Cross River Quarry Attack

Akamkpa, Cross River State – In a tragic escalation of violence, gunmen dressed in military camouflage ambushed a police inspector at a quarry site in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The inspector, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was reportedly killed Thursday evening, with assailants seizing his AK-47 rifle, bearing Breech No. BE-35-2982.

According to a statement with reference number, CZ: 5300/ZPC.6/ZPRO/VOL.4/69, by SP Nelson Okpabi, the Public Relations Officer of Zone 6 Police Command, two Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were abducted in the attack, which took place at Marksino quarry camp.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 6, AIG Jonathan Towuru, has ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators, directing the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) to lead the investigation.

The Zone 6 command expressed concern over a reported security lapse, with SP Okpabi alleging that a civilian worker may have allowed the assailants to enter the premises. “The AIG commiserates with the slain inspector’s family, friends, and relatives,” Okpabi stated. “He has resolved to continue until the victims are released and justice is served on those responsible.”

This violent episode has intensified calls for enhanced security in Akamkpa. Following the attack, the Cross River State House of Assembly urged the government to bolster police presence across the Area Command of Old Netim and in Uyanga and Akamkpa towns.

Legislators pressed for immediate provision of operational vehicles, arms, and ammunition, warning that without these resources, law enforcement efforts remain insufficient against escalating threats.

Earlier, Hon. Okon Nyong Owuna, representing Akamkpa I State Constituency, had raised concerns over rising tensions linked to both cult clashes and incursions by Cameroonian Ambazonia Freedom Fighters.

“Akamkpa local government area is industrial, contributing over 60% of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue,” Owuna noted. “In the past two weeks, there have been cult clashes and increasing Ambazonia Freedom Fighter activities, leading to the deaths of four people.”

The threat, he explained, has pushed expatriates and other workers to flee, fearing for their safety amid the conflict.

As law enforcement intensifies operations in pursuit of the gunmen, many hope these steps will safeguard the lives and livelihoods of citizens and workers in Akamkpa.