Suspected militants have attacked Afokang Federal Prison in Cross River State.
The militants who reportedly stormed there from the nearby Calabar creeks were said to have gunned down a security guard. The militants reportedly took away his gun.
According to Daily Trust, the Public Relations Officer of Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, DSC Effanga Etim, confirmed the incident, but did not go into details. He said a statement would be issued soon.
According to sources, the militants did not gain access to the prison yard but only operated at the main gate.
A source said the incident might be related to feeding as there has been grumbling that the new state comptroller sliced food rations to the inmates.
It was gathered that the comptroller summoned an emergency meeting at the head office of the Correctional Centre opposite the Millennium Park, Calabar, over the prison attack.
A resident of the area who gave his name as Godwin Esu, said, “The incident happened around 9pm. We heard gunshots. We knew it came from the prison. Then there was stampede. It was after those who shot had gone that we were told that an officer was killed.”
