More than 10 persons have been killed in Calabar and counting, mostly the southern part according to our Reporters in less than a week.
“The trouble started when a tricycle (Keke Napep) operator belonging to a cult group named the “Marvians,” refused to pay a loading fee of N50 to a member of a rival gang named “Ekpat”, near the Watt Market, around White House Street.
Since the ban on use of commercial motorcycle operations in Calabar metropolis and due to lack of enough taxis, Keke Napep has become a vital means of transportation in the city especially the southern part.
A source whose name and ID is anonymous told reporters that it was the N50 issue which one of the member of the above mentioned cult group refuses to pay his rival that gave rise to the onslaughter.
“The action of the Marvians member infuriated members of Ekpat cult, who mobilised and beat the tricycle operator to a pulp”.
“When some members of the Marvian cult group who were around saw how their colleague was being manhandled, they also mobilised for a reprisal attack.”
During the fighting, the source said the Marvians killed a prominent member of the rival gang, Emmanuel Abuchi, popularly known as “Actor” along Mayne Avenue by Richard Henshaw.
The killing of Mr. Abuchi is said to have escalated the fighting as members of the Ekpat cult flooded many parts of Calabar South, searching for members of the Marvians.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Ozi Obeh, told journalists that eight suspects linked to the killings have been arrested.
Mr. Obeh, who has just been posted to the state, only gave the number of people killed on Friday. But he assured residents that the Police would fish out criminals and restore peace to the state.
The police boss further appealed to members of the public to feel free to report any suspicious movement to the police and sued for synergy and exchanged of ideas with the media.
“Life itself is a challenge but with my experience and the support from the media, we are going to succeed. But we need information from the public too”, Mr. Obeh said.
Meanwhile, Calabar Reporters gathered that victims of the gang Killings have been pushed to the General Hospital, Calabar.
News reaching us says that, the tragedies are extending to other LGAs outside Calabar South like Calabar Municipality (including Old Odukpani Road, Ikot Omin, 8Miles yesterday) , Akpabuyo, Odukpani, Akamkpa and Ogoja.
Emmanuel Abuchi was killed along Mayne Avenue by Palm Street not Richard Henshaw…please note.