| By Williams Ita.
The federal prison in Afokang area of Calabar South Cross River State was on Friday morning attacked by some unknown gunmen and freed an undisclosed number of inmates. Following the attack, armed military and police personnel have been drafted to the prison. A resident of the area close to the prison gate told Negriod Haven that the gun shot started at about 11 am in the morning and lasted for about 30 minutes before soldiers from the Amphibious Batallion Calabar were brought in to assist the prison wardens who were battling with the gunmen. The soldiers came and surrounded the prison and we heard that some prison wardens died in exchange of gun fire with the intruders.. At about 1pm, the entire edifice housing the prison and other surrounding Streets have been cordoned off by soldiers while shops and residents around the area have all locked up their houses and shops. A soldier dressed in camouflage turned away reporters from the scene saying that “they have been told not to allow anyone near the prison and all those living around the area have to stay indoor”. Mr Hogan Bassey, the Cross River State Police Command Spokesman said “there was an attempt by some gun men this morning to break into the prison but were repelled and we are investigating to ascertain who they and the reason for their actions”. |
