Sixty suspects, including traders from Watt Market in Calabar, were arrested by police on Wednesday following a violent confrontation with a constable who was attempting to impound a motorcycle that had accidentally stepped on his leg while on duty. The incident occurred at Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, Calabar, and sparked immediate intervention by law enforcement officers from the Atakpa Police Division. A patrol team, supported by operatives from the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), swiftly moved to the scene after receiving information from a concerned citizen, rescuing the officer and arresting those involved.
The injured constable recounted the events, stating that on 11 September 2026, he tried to impound a motorcycle after it accidentally ran over his leg during routine duties. The rider fled the scene, but was aided by nearby roadside traders who confronted and assaulted the officer. During the chaos, the constable’s riot gun was tampered with, his uniform and shoes were torn, and his Samsung X10 mobile phone was stolen. He also reported being doused with pepper and egg, which caused further distress and injury, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken away, allowing the rider to escape.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, issued strict instructions for the command to gather intelligence, identify all individuals involved, and ensure that anyone found guilty is arrested and prosecuted under the law. The Public Relations Officer of the police command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that the arrests were made early Wednesday morning. He noted that the VCRU reinforcements played a key role in apprehending the 60 suspects, who are now undergoing screening and interrogation. Authorities are still working to identify and arrest other individuals who may have participated in the attack.
Normalcy has since been restored at Watt Market, and security monitoring remains active in the area to prevent further incidents. The police have emphasized their commitment to protecting law enforcement personnel and ensuring justice for those who undermine public order. This case highlights ongoing challenges faced by officers in the line of duty, particularly in high-traffic commercial zones like Watt Market. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for public cooperation with security agencies to maintain peace and safety in urban communities.
Leave a Comment