By Becky Usman

Suspected militants launched an attack on the Afokang Federal Prison in Cross River State, Nigeria. The assailants, believed to have arrived from the nearby Calabar creeks, reportedly shot and killed a security guard stationed at the prison’s main gate. They also confiscated the guard’s firearm.

It is worth noting that the militants did not manage to breach the prison’s perimeter but limited their operation to the main entrance. The motive behind the attack is under investigation, with speculation suggesting that it may be related to grievances among the inmates concerning reduced food rations, allegedly imposed by the new state comptroller.

In response to the attack, the comptroller convened an emergency meeting at the headquarters of the Correctional Centre, situated opposite the Millennium Park in Calabar.

A local resident, Godwin Esu, recounted that the incident occurred around 9 pm, with gunshots ringing out from the prison, followed by a state of panic. It was only after the attackers had departed that news of the officer’s tragic death emerged.

Efforts to gather information regarding the incident were confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, DSC Effanga Etim. However, he did not provide specific details, assuring that an official statement would be released shortly.