A group of unknown assailants had today, February 20, 2015 stormed the Afokang prison and opened fire sporadically at the scene located in the southern part of Calabar, Cross River’s state.
The incident which occurred at about 11am has caused serious pandemonium among the residents of the area.
The gunmen attempted to set some inmates free n the attack which reportedly lasted for thirty minutes but had their attempts foiled.
According to a resident in the area, soldiers from the Amphibious Batallion Calabar were brought in to assist the prison wardens who were battling the gun men.
The source said, “The gun shots started at about 11 am and went on for about thirty minutes before soldiers came and surrounded the prison and we hear some prison wardens died in the exchange of gun fire with the intruders”
At about 1 pm, the entire edifice housing the prison and other surrounding streets have been cordoned off by, soldiers while shops and residents around the area have all locked up their house and shops, Vanguard reports.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River police spokesperson, Mr Hogan Bassey, said there was an attempt “by some gun men this morning to break into the prison but were repelled and we are investigating to ascertain who they are and the reason for their action.”
