By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 60 suspects allegedly linked to the assault of an officer in Watt Market, Calabar, the state capital.
According to a press statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Command’s spokesperson on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the incident happened at Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, part of the market.
Eitokpah clarified that the incident is not as what is being circulated on social media, where it was alleged that market women held a police officer following a chase involving a suspected internet fraudster (popularly referred to as Yahoo Boy), during which a trader’s goods were reportedly scattered.
“The Command wishes to state that the narrative accompanying the video is misleading and does not accurately represent the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
The statement by Eitokpah claimed: “On 15 September 2026 at about 1530hrs, a concerned member of the public who witnessed the situation promptly alerted the Police that a Police officer was being attacked around Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, Calabar. Acting on the information, the patrol team at Atakpa Police Division was immediately mobilised to the area, where the Police Constable was rescued and taken to the station.
“In his account, the officer stated that while proceeding from his office through Goldie by Bedwell Junction to join his team members, he attempted to impound a motorcycle which had earlier accidentally stepped on his leg while he was on duty on 11 September 2026, after which the rider allegedly escaped. According to the officer, when he subsequently attempted to apprehend the rider, he was confronted and assaulted by some roadside traders who allegedly aided the rider.
“The officer further alleged that his riot gun was tampered with, his Police uniform and shoes were torn, and his Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken. He also alleged that pepper and egg were poured on his face and body, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken from him, enabling the rider to escape. The officer stated that he could identify some of those involved.
“Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, directed the Command to urgently gather intelligence, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Consequently, on 16 September 2026 at about 1045hrs, the Command’s patrol and surveillance teams at Atakpa Police Division were reinforced by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), leading to the arrest of 60 suspects in the area. The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the incident.
“The Command appreciates the concerned member of the public whose timely alert enabled Police operatives to respond and rescue the officer. The Command urges members of the public to rely on verified information and avoid drawing conclusions from incomplete or misleading narratives circulating online. Normalcy has been restored at Watt Market, while security monitoring continues. The Police remain committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate attacks on police officers or any other person. Further developments will be communicated to the public as appropriate.”
