Police arrest journalists, protesters in Calabar

Several journalists and activists have been beaten, handcuffed, and taken by security agents to unknown locations in Calabar, Cross River State.

Our correspondent reports that the managing editor of the online newspaper CrossRiverWatch, Mr Jonathan Ugbal, is among the arrested journalists.

It was gathered that they were taken by security personnel, along with other activists who engaged in a peaceful protest early Thursday morning, to an undisclosed location.

The journalists were following some activists around the popular Mary Slessor roundabout in Calabar, where a handful of protesters had gathered on Thursday, the first day of the 10-day planned nationwide protest.

While monitoring the protest, Ugbal had posted a video in the morning showing that the surrounding roads to the Mary Slessor roundabout were deserted.

Reacting, human rights activist James Ibor said the arrest of activists and journalists was condemnable and reprehensible.

He said that the security agents who arrested the journalists arrived in four Hilux vehicles and SUVs, heavily armed.

He said, “We challenge the authorities to produce any evidence that Ugbal and others were violent.

“I strongly suspect that the security agents are those attached to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.

However, we know that Governor Otu, being a people-
centric leader, would not allow his agents to be this brutal.”

“This is very sad. It is a disappointment, and we call on Governor Otu to order the release of these journalists and activists, who I strongly believe are in government custody.”