Sacked quarry workers turn violent, seize colleagues

Sacked Quarry Workers Attack Firm, Hold Hostages in Cross River

Nine dismissed employees of Akamkpa Quarry Limited in Obung community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, went on a violent rampage on Monday, destroying company property and taking hostages, including Indian nationals working for the firm.

Eyewitnesses said the former workers, who claimed they were unjustly sacked, blocked access roads to and from the quarry, vandalized company vehicles, and attacked the residence of a local chief, setting it ablaze. The names of the suspects have not yet been released.

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When the situation escalated beyond control, the Divisional Police Officer in Akamkpa contacted the State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Irene Ugbo, Afegbua immediately deployed Tactical Teams to the scene. Upon arrival, the officers came under attack as the aggrieved youths hurled stones at patrol vehicles and fired pellets from locally made pistols, injuring some personnel.

Police engaged the attackers, arresting several suspects and seizing a long automatic locally made rifle, a locally made pistol, a machete, and multiple expended cartridges.

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CP Afegbua warned youths against confronting law enforcement officers in the course of their duties, stressing that such actions could lead to avoidable casualties. He urged community leaders to caution their youths, while confirming that investigations are ongoing.