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Calabar

  • Police arrest 11 suspected cultists during initiation

    Police arrest 11 suspected cultists during initiation

    The Cross River Police Command have arrested 11 persons during an initiation into a cult on Bishop Moynag Avenue, State Housing, Calabar.

    The command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, said in a statement in Calabar on Sunday that the suspects were nine men and two women.

    He said that the suspects were arrested on Aug. 14 through “human and tactical intelligence information” deployed by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdulkadir Jimoh.

    Ugbo said that the suspects were arrested by operatives from the Special Anti Robbery Squad and officers from the Federal Housing Police Division.

    “On Aug. 14 2020, a team of SARS operatives and men from the Federal Housing Police Division through an intelligence from the Commissioner of Police swung into action and arrested 11 suspected cultists during initiation.

    “Items recovered from them include talking drum, wooden gung, two kegs of concoction and a bottle of Gordon drink .

    “The suspects confessed to the crime. Investigation is still ongoing to unravel other cult members.

    “To this he end, the Commissioner of Police once again warned all members of any cult groups or anyone having intention to engage in any cult related activities to desist from such”.

    The police command said its “Operation Murky Waters” was still ongoing and was determined to neutralise all illegal activities and those behind them.

    Ugbo, however, enjoined peace-loving residents of Cross River to go about their normal businesses without fear of any kind.

  • [Video]Traders suffer losses as Marian market is razed by fire

    [Video]Traders suffer losses as Marian market is razed by fire

    Traders at the Marian market in Calabar, Cross River state, suffered a huge loss after fire razed shops in the market. The incidence happened very early this morning.

    the cause of the fir is yet to be ascertained. It is reported that Marian market is one of the biggest markets in Calabar.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCNwOiBD_b2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     

  • Two accused robbers set ablaze in Calabar

    Two accused robbers set ablaze in Calabar

    Two persons alleged to be armed robbers were set ablaze in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Monday.

    The occurrence happened at Akai Effa by Jehovah’s Witness junction.

    According to reports, the victims were forced to call their family members on telephone and tell them that they were about to be burnt to death for attempted armed robbery before the mob lynched them.

    Residents were said to have resorted to lynching the victims because of the brazen manner robbers were operating in the area in recent times.

    On Christmas Day, a suspected robber who also raped his victim was lynched at Okoro Agbor area of Calabar Municipality.

    The police had tried to rescue the victim who was beaten to a pulp but he died before they got him to the hospital.

    Likewise, the two robbery suspects were burnt to death before the police arrived the scene of Monday’s mob action.

    When contacted over the incident, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed it and simply said “it is true. It happened,” and declined to speak further

     

  • FG flags off 73km Calabar-Ogoja federal highway rehabilitation

    FG flags off 73km Calabar-Ogoja federal highway rehabilitation

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has flagged off the rehabilitation of the 73km Odukpani Junction-Ikot Okopra-Akpet 1 section of the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja road.

    The Minister flagged off the rehabilitation of the road on Monday in Biase local government area of Cross River.

    Fashola said the project, which would cost N14,017,170,597.90, is a demonstration of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to bridge the infrastructural gap in the country.

    He said this was geared towards providing the much needed stimulants for economic growth and ease of doing business.

    The project handled by a local contractors, Sermatech Construction Company, is expected to be completed in 24 months.

    Fashola, who was represented by the Minister of State in the Ministry, Alhaji Mustapha Baba-Shehuri, said the Federal Government is investing heavily in the provision of critical infrastructure with at least one ongoing road project per state.

    “This project is a 73km single carriage way. It links the industrial town of Akamkpa to Biase-Yakurr road. Its frequent plying by industrialists around the area led to its deterioration.

    “The shoulders of the road have been completely eroded, while the entire alignment is riddled with alligator cracks, as well as characterized by potholes.

    “The scope of work for the contract entails site clearance of shoulders, scarification of the existing failed carriage way and the provision of asphaltic concrete surfacing.

    “The scope of work also include, surface dressing of shoulders, concrete lined drains, de-silting of blocked culverts, reinforced concrete pipe culverts among others.

    “When completed, the road will greatly reduce vehicle operation maintenance cost, improve travel time, reduce accidents as well as loss of lives and properties.

    “It will also enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the people along the corridor, generate employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour and assist in the fight against crime,” he said.

    The Director in charge of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitations in the Ministry, Mr Yemi Oguntominiyi, said the massive infrastructure development was embarked on by the present administration across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

    According to Oguntominiyi, the rehabilitation is aimed at providing the much needed impetus to stimulate the economy and improve the lives of the people.

    The Minister and his entourage also inspected other completed and ongoing rehabilitation projects along the Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja federal highway led by the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr Bassey Nsentip.

     

  • Unknown gunmen kidnap popular broadcaster in Calabar

    Unknown gunmen kidnap popular broadcaster in Calabar

    A popular broadcaster with the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) in Calabar, Petertex Etim aka ‘The godfather’ was on Friday abducted in his house by unknown gunmen.

    It was gathered the abductors stormed his house along Chamley Street in Calabar South and whisked him away in a waiting vehicle, while he was preparing for work in the morning.

    “He was supposed to read the news on radio this morning but of course could not anymore because of the kidnapping.

    “He is not a politician or involved in any controversy. He is such an easygoing guy.

    “So why should something like this happen to him? Could it be a mistaken identity? No one knows.

    “His phone number has been switched off since and the kidnappers have not gotten in touch yet. It is really unfortunate,” a source close to him said.

    Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

    ‘We are aware of it and we are working on it,” she said.

  • Police kill 5 armed robbery suspects in Calabar

    Police kill 5 armed robbery suspects in Calabar

    The Police Command in Cross River, has killed five suspected armed robbery gang who engaged the police in a gun duel shortly after robbing a filling station at Atu Street in Calabar on Sunday.

    Mr Hafiz Inuwa, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who briefed newsmen on the incident at the Atakpa Police Station, said the robbers invaded the filling station on Sunday morning.

    “Some of these armed robbers are giving us problems in Calabar municipality.

    ”These set of robbers were caught up in a gun battle with the police shortly after they robbed a filling station in Atu area of Calabar South.

    “They had a shoot-out with the police and our men were able to gun down five of them. These were the same gang that we already have their profile.

    “We have been on the watch out for them because they were the same people that snatched two AK47 rifles from our men.

    “This is a pointer to the fact that the police and other security agencies will not rest until the state is free from all forms if criminalities,” he said.

    Inuwa said that people who decides to take up arms against law abiding citizens in the state would have themselves to blame because the police was out for “fire-for-fire”.

    “Election is coming, the Calabar carnival is around the corner; we are not going to spare any criminal in the state.

    “I am calling on parents to be on the watch out on their wards because taking arms against anybody will not be tolerated,” he warned.

    Also speaking, the State Security Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade of the state, Mr Ani Esin, who was also at the police station, told NAN that his office was working in collaboration with security agencies in order to reduce crime rate.

    Esin said that the Ayade-led administration places premium on the security of residents and visitors in the state, adding that the state government in collaboration with security agencies would not relent in arresting anyone caught in illegality.

    He added that all necessary infrastructure had been put in place to ensure that the Christmas period is celebrated peacefully in the state.

    “We are trying to revamp all the security units across the state and to also empower the security agencies because we want to feel their presence at every corner especially now that we are having thousands of visitors in the state.

    “I have visited majority of the security outfits and I can assure you that Christmas will be peaceful and beyond that, we hope that the entire state will be calm during the carnival and election period.”

    NAN reports that the police also recovered some cash and three locally made pistols from the suspected armed robbers.

     

  • Calabar Beach gully erosion project is future tourist centre – Minister

    Calabar Beach gully erosion project is future tourist centre – Minister

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, says Adiabo Okultikang Beach gully erosion project in Calabar will develop the community to a tourist centre.
    In a statement issued in Abuja, the minister said that apart from its tourism potential, the erosion control work would save lives and property and promote commercial activities.
    Ocheni said that the project re-affirmed the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to inclusive national development.
    At the handing over the project, the minister noted that the approval of the project by the president was a testimony to the present administration’s promise that no part of the country will suffer neglect.
    “To further consolidate the gain of this giant stride, the Federal Government’s execution of projects across the country also demonstrates the sincerity of purpose of President Buhari-led administration towards entrenching justice, equity and fair play to all and sundry.
    “The successful completion of the project, if sufficiently utilised, will turn the community into a tourist centre, save lives and property, therefore, promoting commercial activities.
    “It is expected that the successful completion of this project will reduce dangers to lives and property associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced in the community in recent times,’’ he said.
    Ocheni also expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to the implementation of all genuine government policies, agreements and contracts entered into at both national and international levels by previous administrations.
    He noted that Buhari had laid a solid foundation for a virile and prosperous nation.
     

  • Police confirm abduction of two Igbo traders in Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command on Friday confirmed the abduction of two businessmen, Paulinus Obi and Emmanuel Ozokwu in Calabar.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP. Irene Ugbo, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.

    Ugbo said that the police were working hard to secure the release of the businessmen.

    “Yes we are aware of that and the police are working hard for their release. The police are not magicians, we are doing everything possible to get to the root of the matter.’’

    She said that the kidnappers had yet to demand ransom.

    NAN learnt that Obi, who is a motor parts dealer, was abducted in his shop by gunmen on Feb. 7.

    Ozokwu, a contractor, was also abducted by gunmen in front of his shop at Target Street in Calabar on Feb. 8.

    An eye witness, Mr Chukwuemeka Okoli, said that Obi was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. at his shop.

    “We were sitting out in front of Obi’s shop about 7:00 p.m., having drinks and two young men dressed in black walked up to him and excused him.

    “As soon as he stood up, another stern-looking masked man came out from a parked old blue Audi 80 with AK 47 riffle and jerked him up and threw him into the car.

    “Immediately the Audi 80 drove off with the three other persons, another Camry car parked down Bedwell by White House Street followed them and they zoomed off to unknown destination.

    “Since then they have not called, neither have they sent any message as to the next thing we can do. Honestly, this is one kidnap too many and the traders would not take this matter lying low any longer, ‘’ he said.

    Reacting to the development, the President of Igbo the Community in Calabar, Chief Albert Enya, described the incident as unfortunate, calling on security operatives to step up their activities in the town.

    He assured that Igbo people resident in Calabar would collaborate with security operatives to find lasting solution to the problem of kidnapping.

  • Calabar festival bikers day: Gov. Ayade rides ‘the Scorpion’ [Photo]

    Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, captured acknowledging cheers from spectators as he cruises through the streets of Calabar to celebrate Calabar Festival Bikers Day 2017.

    Gov. Ben Ayade rides the scorpion
    Gov. Ben Ayade rides the scorpion

     

  • Calabar Ritual saga: “Blood stains, organs found in my church is from goats, chicken,” says pastor

    Police authority in Calabar Cross River State, yesterday, paraded one Pastor, Tony Obo, alongside six others of the Pastor of a who were arrested over allegation of ritual killing of an 18 months old infant the state.

    The embattled pastor who goes by the name “Rev. Dr. Tony Obo” of Royal God’s Commandments Ministries International” was paraded before newsmen.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hafiz Inuwa who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Irene Ugbo told newsmen that the suspects will “immediately” be charged to court and also introduced the mother of the18 months old infant whose body part with blood stains was believed to have been seen with the pastor when the police stormed his church on a tipoff.

    “We have come to show the world that the people are still in our custody. There is no way the police can release any murder and kidnapping suspect without due process. They are already here.

    We are going to charge them to court immediately. The other suspects are here because they aided in the abduction of the little girl. They will be charged alongside the pastor to the court. The body of the baby has not yet been found”, the police added.

    The mother of the baby, a 20-year old Faith Inyang explained that on the fateful day last Thursday around 3.am at mid-night, three armed men broke into her house and forcefully took her baby away from her.

    She gave the name of the child as Success, noting that the baby was her first and only child.

    According to her at day break, with the help of a neighbor, they suspected a young man who was confronted and they were able to trace that the baby was carried to Pastor Obo’s church. At the church, the pastor was seen in a blood stained dress while the little child may had been dismembered and its inner parts removed. The Police was called in immediately, she noted.
    Tony Obo, the pastor, told journalists he was not guilty of the allegations against him.

    When asked about the blood stains he was caught with within his church and the body part (human heart) that was seen where he was caught, he stammered and said the blood found in his church belonged to a goat, which he used for his prayers.

    Also that the heart found was that of a chicken and all the charms and other fetish items found in his church were what the children used for acting whenever they wanted to present a drama.

    The main auditorium of Obo’s church located at Okon Edak street of Atamunu in Calabar South and the Branch of the same church in N0. 6 Abua street also in Calabar south local government area were both demolished by enraged youths who heard how the Pastor was caught with the alleged blood and body part of the infant.

    When the church buildings were demolished and ransacked; altar desecrated, found items in the altar included ladies and men under wears, wooden dolls of men and women tied together with their photographs, photos of persons being pad locked, dresses, shoes, and some fetishistic items.

    Some residents in Calabar who know the pastor have alleged that he is associated with fetish and diabolic practices as well as a lot of controversies including the mysterious death of two of his sons on the same day two years ago.