By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the killing of an officer with the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA), who was allegedly attacked by a commercial driver during a traffic enforcement operation in Calabar, the state capital.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM around Marian Hills in Calabar.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stated that preliminary findings pointed to a physical altercation between the driver and traffic officials.
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“The Command is aware of the unfortunate incident,” Eitokpah said in a statement. “Preliminary information indicates that one Godwin Ukpai Okobo, ‘m’, a commercial mini-bus driver, was involved in an altercation with officials of TRAMRA yesterday around Marian Hills, Calabar, which allegedly resulted in the death of one Mr Akerete Okon, a TRAMRA officer, after he was rushed to the hospital.”
According to a separate statement released by the management of TRAMRA, the deceased officer, identified as Mr. Akerete Okon, was stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by the driver during the confrontation.
Expressing deep grief over the loss, the agency condemned the attack, noting that the officer was completely defenseless at the time of the incident.
“The Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) announces with profound grief and outrage the killing of one of our officers, who was stabbed to death in the chest with a screwdriver by a commercial mini bus driver while on official duty,” the management stated.
“The officer was carrying out routine traffic management and regulatory enforcement to ensure the safety and order of road users. He was unarmed, in uniform, and performing his lawful duty when he was attacked without provocation. Despite efforts to save his life, our colleague succumbed to his injuries.”
The agency further warned against rising hostility toward traffic law enforcement agents on duty.
“Assaulting and killing public officers who work daily to protect lives, reduce accidents, and maintain order on our roads is a direct attack on law, order, and every citizen’s right to safety. No traffic dispute, no matter how heated, justifies murder,” the statement added.
ASP Eitokpah assured the public that a full-scale investigation has commenced to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation. He promised that the police would conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry, and noted that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
