There were sporadic shootouts between security details attached to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, to disperse gunmen who attempted to kidnap commuters on the Ikom-Calabar federal highway.
The incident happened on Sunday evening when the Speaker’s convoy was returning to Ikom after attending the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s thanksgiving ceremony in Obudu LGA.
A group of unknown gunmen was said to have blocked the road, halting traffic from both directions.
A statement from his media aide, Matthew Okache, said: “The Speaker and his team dispersed the miscreants and engaged in sporadic shooting to clear the road for stranded motorists to proceed.
“The gallant efforts of the security details not only averted a potential tragedy where many would have been killed or abducted but also restored the flow of traffic along the vital highway, ensuring the safety of travellers.”