Three residents of the Udo Ekong Ekwere area in Atan Offot, Uyo, have been hospitalized with gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by a female officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The incident occurred after officials from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) disconnected the power supply to some homes for non-payment, removing and taking away their cables. This action angered local residents, leading to a confrontation.
Abasifreke Etim, a resident who was physically assaulted during the incident, explained that the situation escalated when residents attempted to stop the PHEDC officials from taking the cables. In response, the NSCDC officer fired shots to disperse the crowd, but three people, including a woman, were hit by stray bullets.
Etim described the scene as chaotic, with the NSCDC officers firing indiscriminately, critically injuring three people who are now receiving treatment in various hospitals in Uyo. According to Etim, the trouble started around 10:00 AM when PHEDC officials, led by a man identified as Daniel, allegedly known for extorting residents, arrived with NSCDC officers to disconnect power and seize cables.
One resident reportedly confronted Daniel, demanding the return of his cable, but Daniel allegedly stabbed the resident in the hand with a jackknife borrowed from an NSCDC officer. Following this, a female NSCDC officer knelt and fired shots, hitting a woman, Helen Ime Okon, who was across the street attending to a customer, and two other bystanders.
After the shooting, the PHEDC officials, with police reinforcements, allegedly went around the community, arresting, assaulting, and harassing residents, including minors. The village head, Etteidung Alfred Ekong, has reported the incident to the police. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the ‘C’ Division has reviewed the situation, cautioning the NSCDC against the indiscriminate use of firearms on civilians.
Human rights lawyer Clifford Thomas, Convener of the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community (AHRC), has vowed to pursue justice for the victims. He called for the investigation, prosecution, and sanctioning of the officers involved and plans to involve human rights organizations in the case.
In response, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Friday Ekerete, confirmed the incident but stated that the officer acted in self-defense, firing warning shots to protect herself from being lynched by the crowd. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Engr Eluwade, expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging its potential to damage the previously good relationship between the NSCDC and the Atan Offot community.