Key Points

• Family demands justice after alleged killing in Cross River.

• Human rights groups call for urgent independent investigation.

• Case renews scrutiny of security brutality in Nigeria.

The family of a young man who was allegedly murdered by security personnel working for Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu is calling for justice, alleging that the guards engaged in extrajudicial behavior and abused their position of authority.

According to a report by the Punch news, residents of Calabar are outraged by the incident, which has rocked the city’s political and social circles. They believe the case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing battle with police and security brutality.

The deceased’s family says their son was attacked and assaulted during a clash with the governor’s security guards, which ultimately resulted in his death. State government representatives have not yet offered a thorough response, but the case is already gaining national attention as demands for accountability grow.

A family seeks justice for the alleged murder

Witnesses claim that the victim, a young man in his twenties, was ensnared in a fight when members of the governor’s security convoy allegedly attacked him. Family members maintain that he was singled out and subjected to excessive force, but that he was neither armed nor involved in any criminal activity.

A relative, fighting back tears, remarked, “They took his life unjustly and left us in pain.” “Justice and accountability for those responsible are what we seek.” The family has started putting pressure on the authorities by collaborating with community leaders and human rights organizations.

Claims of violence against security guards

The accusations are made at a time when public trust in Nigeria’s security forces is already eroding. Public mistrust has been fueled by past abuse cases that have often gone unpunished. The case, according to activists, demonstrates a trend in which security guards associated with political office holders function with minimal supervision.

Human rights activists have also urged Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission and the federal government to step in. “This is not a singular instance. The cycle of abuse will continue unless it is thoroughly investigated, according to one Calabar lawyer.

In Cross River, family demands for justice are heard

In Cross River State, community groups and civil society organizations have organized small gatherings and online campaigns calling for accountability, demonstrating widespread sympathy for the family’s demand. Instead of an internal government investigation, many are advocating for an independent inquiry.

Locals contend that if the governor’s office remains silent, tensions could escalate. “The public is entitled to clarity. Declare if the accusations are untrue. Otherwise, bring charges against those responsible,” one activist stated.

The family is left in mourning for the time being, hoping that the legal system will take action. They claim that the death is a test of Nigeria’s capacity to restrain the authority of those sworn to defend its citizens, in addition to being a personal loss.