By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that officers shot at protesting students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command said the viral video did not reflect the true sequence of events during the protest held on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Calabar.
The police explained that the protest stemmed from the tragic death of three UNICROSS students who lost their lives in a road accident on May 1 at Ikot Okon, New Okurikang Junction in Odukpani Local Government Area.
According to the statement, security agencies received intelligence ahead of the protest and deployed officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, to maintain order.
“On arrival, police personnel engaged student leaders and encouraged peaceful conduct,” the Command stated.
The protest reportedly began peacefully but later turned violent as some participants became agitated.
The police maintained that “no protester was shot, and at no time were live rounds discharged during the incident.”
At the General Hospital, some protesters allegedly vandalised public property, including an ambulance and hospital infrastructure.
Police operatives were said to have exercised restraint, using only non-lethal methods to manage the crowd and prevent further destruction.
The situation reportedly escalated further when the protesters moved to the Government House and attempted to gain entry into the premises.
Security personnel responded by deploying smoke canisters to disperse the crowd and prevent a breach.
The Command stresses that the measures taken were lawful and aimed solely at restoring order.
It added that no fatalities were recorded during the protest and no deaths resulted from police actions.
Calm was eventually restored following intervention by government officials, including the Special Adviser on Security and a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.