Cross River Police Refute Claims of Gunfire at UNICROSS Student Protest
By Benjamin GBOR
The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that its personnel fired at protesting students of the University of Cross River State, describing such claims as untrue.
Reacting to a viral video circulating on social media, the Command said the content was misleading and did not reflect what transpired during the protest.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the police maintained that no shots were fired at any point and that no demonstrator sustained gunshot injuries.
The Command explained that the protest followed the death of three UNICROSS students in a road accident that occurred on May 1 at Ikot Okon, near New Okurikang Junction in Odukpani Local Government Area.
According to the statement, security operatives were deployed ahead of the demonstration based on intelligence reports, with the aim of maintaining order and safeguarding lives and property.
Police authorities noted that although the protest started peacefully, it later degenerated, with some participants allegedly vandalising property at a general hospital, including damaging an ambulance, windows, and signboards.
The situation reportedly worsened when protesters advanced toward the Government House and attempted to gain access.
The Command said officers responded using only approved, non-lethal crowd control methods, including smoke canisters, to disperse the gathering and prevent further escalation.
It further clarified that no deaths were recorded during the incident and that calm was restored after government officials, including the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, intervened.
The police also revealed that student representatives subsequently held a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, at the Government House, where concerns were addressed and tensions eased.
While urging the public to ignore what it described as unverified and inflammatory social media content, the Command warned that such reports could incite unnecessary panic.
The police also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professionalism and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
