The Cross River State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding Tuesday's protest by commercial motorcyclists in Calabar, stating that the demonstration was triggered by the enforcement of the state government's ban on commercial motorcycles within the Calabar metropolis.
According to a press statement signed by the
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, the protest began after personnel of Operation Okwor attached to Government House impounded several motorcycles during an enforcement exercise around the 8 Miles area.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, the protest began after personnel of Operation Okwor attached to Government House impounded several motorcycles during an enforcement exercise around the 8 Miles area.
The action reportedly angered some commercial motorcyclists and motorcycle owners, who staged a peaceful protest and temporarily blocked the busy Calabar–Ikom Highway, disrupting the movement of vehicles.
Following reports of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of operational teams, officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Tactical Commanders and Police Mobile Force personnel to the scene.
The police said officers professionally engaged the protesters, cleared the highway and restored normal traffic without any casualties or destruction of property.
The Command also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting the protest was linked to the ongoing nationwide enforcement against vehicles operating without registration plates or with altered or concealed number plates.
According to the police, the protest had no connection with the nationwide operation but was solely a reaction to the enforcement of the Cross River State Government's ban on commercial motorcycles in Calabar metropolis.
While commending both the protesters and security personnel for exercising restraint, the police urged residents to remain law-abiding and pursue lawful channels in expressing grievances, warning that blocking public roads poses serious risks to public safety and inconveniences other road users.
The Command assured residents that normalcy has been fully restored and that security agencies are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace and public order across the state.
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