In a daring raid at Quarry Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, armed assailants fatally shot an Inspector of Police and abducted three workers, including two Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, on Thursday evening.
The attackers, dressed in military camouflage, reportedly infiltrated the camp after a worker mistakenly allowed them past the gate’s security protocols.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nelson Okpabi, spokesperson for Zone 6 Command, verified the details in a Friday statement released in Calabar, noting that the armed assailants also seized an AK-47 rifle from the slain officer.
He described the raid as well-planned, with the attackers skillfully using the momentary lapse in security to gain entry.
SP Okpabi revealed that Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Jonathan Towuru, who oversees Zone 6, has ordered a comprehensive manhunt for the assailants.
The AIG has vowed that the perpetrators will be captured and face justice. Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that might aid the search for the gunmen.
“The Police hereby appeal to the public to stay alert and share any information that may assist in apprehending the suspects,” Okpabi stated.
This incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of industrial sites in the area, particularly given the attackers’ use of military-style uniforms, which might have confused on-site security personnel.