By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – A joint security force has raided the rainforest in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State in search of assailants who attacked police officers on Monday, 5th August 2024.
The security operatives, made up of police personnel and soldiers, on Thursday, also raided an abandoned hospital in Iso-Bendeghe village of Boki, where the assailants had turned into a haven.
The operation, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Boki Division, Converseer reports, was carried out on the directive of the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua.
It resulted in the recovery of five locally-made firearms, expended cartridges, machetes, clubs, motorcycles, cooking utensils, bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages, dangerous charms, and other items believed to belong to the attackers.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, the raid was conducted in response to the assault on the 75 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Patrol Team stationed in Iso-Bendeghe around 11:45 PM on Monday.
“The Commissioner of Police ordered the operation to track down the perpetrators who attacked our patrol team,” Ugbo said in a statement issued on Friday.
She confirmed that the attackers fled into a nearby forest after the assault, abandoning their makeshift camp located within an old hospital structure.
The incident reportedly led to the destruction of a police patrol vehicle and other government property.
Ugbo stated that the assailants are suspected to be the same group responsible for the recent unrest that rocked the community in July. Soldiers from the 245 Battalion, Ikom, were among the security forces deployed for the operation.
“Upon sensing the presence of the team, the hoodlums fled into the bush, abandoning the items that were later recovered,” the PPRO explained.
She emphasised that the Cross River State Police Command will not tolerate attacks on security personnel and assured law-abiding residents of their safety.
“We urge the public to continue with their daily activities without fear. Adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain peace in the area,” Ugbo added.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects as investigations continue.
