The Cross River State Police Command has denied allegations that its operatives shot at students of the University of Cross River State during a protest.
The Command described as “false and misleading” a viral video circulating on social media which claimed that police officers opened fire on protesting students.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said no protester was shot and no live ammunition was discharged at any point during the demonstration.
According to the police, the protest was triggered by the death of three students of the University of Cross River State in a road accident that occurred on May 1 at Ikot Okon, New Okurikang Junction in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The statement noted that following intelligence reports of a planned protest, security operatives were deployed early to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of lives and property.
“The Command states categorically that no protester was shot, no protester was targeted with firearms, and at no time were live rounds discharged by police operatives during the entire incident,” the statement read.
The police added that while the protest began peacefully, it later turned violent when some students allegedly vandalised facilities at the General Hospital, including an ambulance, windows and signposts.
It further stated that the situation escalated when protesters moved to the Government House and attempted to gain entry into the premises.
“In response, security personnel deployed minimal, lawful and non-lethal crowd-control measures, including the use of smoke canisters, to disperse the crowd and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.
The Command maintained that no fatalities were recorded during the protest and that normalcy was restored following the intervention of government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.
It also disclosed that student representatives later met with the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, at the Government House, where issues were discussed and calm restored.
The police urged members of the public to disregard what it described as “inflammatory and unverified content” on social media, warning that such reports could heighten tension.
It reiterated its commitment to professional policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.