CROSS RIVER ASSEMBLY DEMANDS URGENT PROBE INTO SHOOTING OF IKOM RESIDENT BY POLICE
The Cross River State House of Assembly has condemned in strong terms the shooting of Mr. Odok Nelson Etta, a resident of Ikom Local Government Area, allegedly by officers of the police tactical unit known as Puff Adder. The House has called for immediate action from the Nigeria Police Force and the State Government to ensure justice is served.
The issue was brought before the House during plenary on Wednesday by Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, through a motion of urgent public importance. The lawmaker described the incident as “unlawful, unjustifiable, and a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the victim.”
Quoting Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Hon. Abang said the situation has cast a dark shadow over the relationship between the police and the people. He further referenced the Police Reform Act of 2020, noting that the actions of the officers involved violated the Act’s provisions on human dignity and rights.
“This House cannot keep quiet while the people we represent are being brutalised by those meant to protect them,” he said. “Mr. Odok Nelson Etta was not a criminal. He was not armed. He posed no threat. Yet, he was shot by a police unit that has now become a threat to the very society it is supposed to protect.”
Following deliberations, the House demanded that the Nigeria Police, Cross River State Command, immediately launch a full investigation into the incident to identify and prosecute those responsible. It also called for the immediate withdrawal of the Puff Adder Unit from Ikom to prevent further tension or possible reprisal attacks by aggrieved youths.
The Assembly further urged the Nigeria Police to take full responsibility for the medical treatment and rehabilitation of Mr. Odok Nelson Etta, ensuring that the victim and his family are not made to bear any financial burden resulting from the injury.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, while reacting to the motion, decried the increasing incidents of police abuse across the state. He insisted that for peace to reign and confidence to be restored, officers bearing arms must be subjected to drug testing and psychiatric evaluation, both at the point of recruitment and throughout their service.
Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
06/08/2025
