Cross River State Government Faces Backlash Over Alleged Abduction Of Peaceful Protesters

The Cross River State Government has yet to respond to these allegations, and the whereabouts of the detained protesters remain unknown.

By TheInvestigator

The Cross River State Government is under fire following allegations of the violent abduction of peaceful protesters by members of the State Governor’s convoy. The incident occurred earlier today along Marian Road, near the Mary Slessor Roundabout in Calabar during the 10-day #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

In a strongly worded press release, the Citizens’ Solution Network condemned the actions of the Governor’s security details, accusing them of unlawfully detaining protesters, subjecting them to physical violence, and transporting them to an undisclosed location. The organization, led by Country Director Richard Inoyo, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

“The attacks on human rights and the violent assault on peaceful protesters will only tarnish the reputation of Governor Bassey Edet Otu,” the statement reads. “Such actions are a grave misuse of public funds and a direct violation of the civic rights of citizens to assemble and express themselves.”

The Citizens’ Solution Network has warned that these incidents could have severe repercussions on the Governor’s international standing, especially if global rights agencies and embassies become involved. The group has urged the Governor to take swift action to correct the situation, emphasizing that the responsibility for these actions rests squarely on his shoulders.

The press release also criticized the Governor’s Special Adviser for their alleged role in the incident, describing their actions as “misguided” and “cowardly.” The Citizens’ Solution Network stressed that the use of force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and could create a “dark episode” in the state’s history.

As the situation unfolds, there is growing concern among civil society groups and the general public about the state’s handling of the incident. The Citizens’ Solution Network has vowed to continue advocating for the rights of those detained and has called for immediate government intervention to resolve the matter peacefully.

The Cross River State Government has yet to respond to these allegations, and the whereabouts of the detained protesters remain unknown.