Police VS Soilder Clash

There was commotion in Calabar, the Cross River State capital hosting the zone C group matches in the ongoing FIFA Under 17 championship, when soldiers and policemen clashed yesterday.

The fight broke out between the security operatives at about midday yesterday at the Eta Agbo/Akim roundabout close to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, when officials of Calabar Municipal Council were clearing the airport road of illegal motor and Okada park to ease traffic .

Reports revealed that the officials of the council led by superintendent of police and his men were at the road junction to control the traffic, where motorists have created an illegal park to convey commuters to Akpabuyo.

The policemen armed with AK 47 guns were said to have confronted a private car (cab) driver who happened to be a soldier.

It was gathered that an army private, who was passing by, supported the cab-driver and called the Brigade headquarters for more soldiers. When more soldiers arrived at the scene, they started shooting in the air and eventually whisked away the policemen and officials of the council to the Brigade headquarters.

When P.M. News called at the Brigade headquarters, the Army Public Relations Officer was not available for comment.

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke and his Information Commissioner, Okon Asim, have appealed to residents to maintain peace, especially during this period when the state is hosting the FIFA Under17 World Cup tournament.