DCP Godwin Etim Shuts Down UNICAL Chapel Amid Rowdy Session, Fears of Bloodshed

Crisis erupts as dismissed former UCOR Chaplain, Rev. Dr Joseph Ushie returns to Chapel with supporters; police summon factions for dialogue

The University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption (UCOR) was today shut down by the Cross River State Police Command following a tense and rowdy session during the church's 8:00 a.m. service, amid fears that the lingering leadership crisis could degenerate into violence and bloodshed.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Godwin Etim, who ordered the closure of the Chapel, said the police intervention was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order, warning that the situation, if allowed to escalate, could result in infighting and bloodshed.

The immediate tension reportedly began when some members believed to be loyal to the dismissed former Chaplain of the Chapel, Rev. Dr Joseph Ushie, arrived at the church alongside the former Chaplain.

The development was reportedly triggered by what was described as misinformation surrounding a restraining order, which some of Rev. Ushie's supporters allegedly interpreted as giving the former Chaplain the right to return to the Chapel and resume his duties.

At the time of the development, the church's 8:00 a.m. service had already commenced, with Prof. James Okon conducting the service. The service was, however, interrupted when supporters of Rev. Ushie reportedly challenged the proceedings, resulting in a tense and increasingly rowdy atmosphere within the congregation.

The incident is said to have followed a confrontation that occurred the previous day involving Prof. Emmanuel Edet, Dr. Glory Njah and Imo Nse and the Interim Chaplain, Rev. Israel Eyo, with the said names reportedly challenging the Interim Chaplain over the performance of his duties.

The events of the previous day reportedly heightened tensions ahead of today's service.

The situation became more complicated when leaders said to be sympathetic to the Interim Chaplain, Rev. Israel Eyo, were present around the former Chaplain.

Rev. Eyo was reportedly seated close to Rev. Dr Ushie during the tense episode.

However, the gesture was allegedly misconstrued by some of Ushie's supporters as an attempt to effect a takeover of the Chapel, further inflaming an already tense congregation.

The misunderstanding reportedly contributed to the disruption of the service, with members on opposing sides engaging in heated exchanges.

As the situation threatened to spiral beyond verbal confrontation, the police intervened.

Addressing those present, DCP Godwin Etim said the closure of the Chapel was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and forestall a situation that could lead to infighting and bloodshed.

He consequently directed everyone within the Chapel and its environs to leave the premises.

The DCP further warned that after the Chapel had been locked, anyone found inside the premises would be treated as a trespasser and would face the law.

Following the intervention, DCP Etim said calm had been restored, disclosing that the police had summoned representatives of both factions for dialogue in a bid to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

He said the two sides had been invited to the police office for a meeting scheduled for 12 noon tomorrow, where the issues surrounding the dispute would be examined.

“We have invited both factions to our office tomorrow by 12 noon to enable us to rub minds with them, and to look at the issues raised and to see if there are solutions we can proffer to it.

“But for now they have to leave the church so that there won’t be any loss of lives and property and violence of any type,” he stated.

The police intervention is therefore not only aimed at shutting down the immediate flashpoint but also creating an avenue for both sides to sit down and address the issues underlying the dispute.