Sixty persons have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a police constable on lawful duty at Goldie by Etim Edem Lane, Calabar, Cross River State.
The suspects, including roadside traders at Watt Market, allegedly attacked the constable while he was attempting to impound a commercial motorcycle whose rider had reportedly stepped on his leg while he was on duty.
The attackers allegedly overpowered the officer, tampered with his rifle, tore his uniform and shoes and stole his Samsung X10 mobile phone while assisting the motorcyclist to escape.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to the Cross River State Police Command.
The constable alleged that pepper and egg were also poured on his face and body during the attack, while the motorcycle was forcibly taken from him.
He said he could identify some of those involved in the incident.
Recounting his ordeal, the officer said: “When I attempted to impound a motorcycle which had earlier accidentally stepped on my leg while I was on duty on September 11, 2026, the rider had escaped.
“I was confronted and assaulted by some roadside traders who aided the rider to escape.
“During the assault, my riot gun was tampered with, my uniform and shoes were torn, and my Samsung X10 mobile phone was taken.”
The Command said a patrol team from the Atakpa Police Division responded to information from a concerned citizen and immediately moved to the scene, where the constable was rescued.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that anyone found culpable in the incident be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the Command’s patrol and surveillance teams attached to the Atakpa Police Division were reinforced by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), leading to the arrest of the 60 suspects.
“We’re screening and interrogating them. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the incident,” Akata said.
He called for respect for the police uniform, describing it as a symbol of public authority.
Credit to our Media Partner DailyTrust .
