The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CALABAR

  • Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command, through the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar, The Nation reports.

    Police sources disclose that the operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, January 25.

    Sources said the police successfully intervened and prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar.

    The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The suspect, before the arrival of the police, was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, and was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.

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    The victim, whose personal information is yet to be verified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.

    Three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the operation as “a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law”.

    The police boss reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime. The CP strongly condemned mob action and emphasized that suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

    He further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

    The Command, through its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, reassured the good people of Cross River State of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security throughout the state

  • Nigeria deploys new electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    Nigeria deploys new electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    To ensure safety of mariners using the Calabar-Bakassi channel, Nigeria has deployed three newly produced Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) validated by the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC).

    The charts, NG455150 (Jamestown), NG525190 (Queenstown to Ikot Abasi), and NG542550 (Ports of Calabar), will boost marine transportation and safety as more vessels influx are expected with the planned Bakassi Deep Seaport.

    Also, this developments means that Nigeria will no longer seek amd await clearance from Cameroon for vessels navigating inward and outside the channels. 

    Announcing the feat, the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), noted that all vessels traversing Nigeria’s coastal approaches through the eastern channel up to the inner port limits would rely on the Nigerian-produced ENCs. 

    The charts, it said, provide modern digital coverage and present mariners with an integrated and up-to-date picture of water depths, seabed features, navigational hazards, aids to navigation and harbour infrastructure essential for safe passage to Calabar and the future Bakassi Deep Seaport.

    According to the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NHA, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, said the charts were produced from a recent high-resolution survey of the Calabar-Bakassi axis conducted to international standards and comparable to IHO S-44 Order 1 for busy approaches and harbour entrances. 

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    “The survey process formally commenced on 21 December 2024, with intensive data acquisition beginning on 6 January 2025. The work combined hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical measurements using advanced NHA survey and processing capabilities.

    “The sea is our largest unexplored resource, and if we don’t map it, we can’t manage it,” said Olugbode. 

    He stressed that the production of critical navigational charts not only enhances safety in Nigerian waters but also assures the productive exploitation and development of the nation’s blue economy.

    Olugbode further affirmed that chart production for Lagos, Calabar and the Bonny axis forms part of the phased mapping strategy of the NHA, underscoring the priority accorded to those areas. 

    He disclosed that over 85,325 square kilometres of Nigeria’s maritime domain has been mapped to date, with the Calabar sector identified as a critical link in a wider network of ENCs designed to lower navigational risk for ships heading to Nigerian ports.

    The newly released ENCs replaced legacy products with modern digital charts integrated into global ENC networks, providing up-to-date depth, seabed and navigation information. 

    “The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, strengthens Nigeria’s status as a regional hydrographic leader and directly supports the Bakassi Deep Seaport project and Calabar Port operations,” he added. 

  • Alleged electricity vandal set ablaze by mob in Calabar

    Alleged electricity vandal set ablaze by mob in Calabar

    A man has been set ablaze by a mob  in Calabar, the  Cross River State capital, for allegdly attempting to vandalise an electricity transformer.

    The incident took place around midnight at Atu by Palm Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    According to eyewitnesses, the man was apprehended while trying to tamper with the transformer that serves the community.

    The intervention was said to have happened swiftly as residents raised the alarm over the attempted act of vandalism.

    One of the residents, who confirmed the incident, but craved anonymity, narrated: “A suspected thief was reportedly caught around midnight at Atu Street by Palm Street while attempting to tamper with a power transformer.

    “Community members notified the authorities, and the situation is under investigation. Everyone is advised to stay alert and report suspicious activities to the police.

    Residents who woke up this morning said “we were shocked to find the Burnt remains of the suspect lying on the roadside, even as normal activities gradually returned to the area.”

    Residents said security operatives had been alerted, and investigations were ongoing.

    Authorities have warned residents against jungle justice, urging communities to report suspects to law enforcement agencies instead.

  • Calabar celebrates 20th anniversary of iconic carnival, as Governor lights Christmas

    Calabar celebrates 20th anniversary of iconic carnival, as Governor lights Christmas

    As the city of Calabar prepares to host the 20th edition of its famous and iconic street party known as the ‘Carnival Calabar and Festival,’ the Cross River State Government has assured global stars, cultural enthusiasts, creators, investors, and tourists who would be visiting the area of a memorable time throughout the event. 

    This assurance was given on Sunday, November 30, 2025, during the symbolic Christmas tree lighting at the Millennium Park by Governor Bassey Otu.

    The ceremony, witnessed by four former Governors including Clement Ebiri, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Ben Ayade, officially marked the start of the festive season in the state and the month-long series of activities related to the annual carnival.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment to improve on existing standards, Governor Otu said, “My team and I will continue to grow Cross River through human capital development, industrialisation, rural transformation, and tourism.” 

    A culture and tourism expert in the state, Joseph Nneji, disclosed that every arrangement to make this year’s edition of the annual carnival a truly historic and remarkable one had been put in place.

    “Twenty years of the Carnival Calabar and festival is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world.

     “We invite everyone—governments, tourists, creatives, brands, and cultural institutions—to join us in commemorating two decades of excellence,” he said.

    Considered Africa’s biggest street party, the Carnival Calabar and Festival has over the last two decades created its own distinct image and history, becoming one of the most anticipated events of each year during the process. 

    Starting out as a simple strategy by the state to promote tourism and reposition the city as a cultural hub, the month-long fiesta has since blossomed into a global entertainment spectacle that continues to attract millions of visitors—physical and online—edition after edition. 

    From Brazil to Colombia, France to Germany, South Africa to Ghana, and other parts of the world, the iconic carnival remains a big hit among fun lovers.

    From its early days featuring community dance troupes and traditional masquerades, the carnival has expanded to include international music concerts, street parades by themed bands like Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside & Freedom, cultural exhibitions, bikers’ parades, and beauty pageants. 

    The annual event has also continued to spotlight Nigerian fashion designers, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, and cultural storytellers, making Calabar a December destination for the world.

    This year’s edition is expected to feature international performance blocs from at least 10 countries, showcase the local culture to a global audience through special heritage displays, and bring together top global influencers, filmmakers, and tourism ambassadors. 

    In addition, the state aims to reestablish Calabar as West Africa’s tourism capital, bringing fresh opportunities for local businesses, artisans, performers, and investors through an investment summit aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors.

    As the city prepares to host the world, the impact the Carnival Calabar and Festival has made over the last 20 years speaks for itself—millions of visits recorded, thousands of jobs created, and hundreds of new talented and constantly evolving creatives discovered and pushed to the limelight.

    This year, the carnival not only promises to honour its past but also set a new vision for the next 20 years with the central goal of making Calabar the undisputed cultural capital of Africa.

  • Calabar fattening room: A tradition under threat

    Calabar fattening room: A tradition under threat

    • From Ekwunazor Patience Omoadoni

    The fattening room is an ancient practice in Calabar, which is gradually going into extinction. The fattening room is a place young women are prepared for womanhood. In ancient times, fat was viewed as a sign of prosperity and fertility. Young girls are usually taken to the room during puberty. Acceptance into the fattening room was viewed as a privilege as it was a demonstration of virtue, sexual purity and Proved virginity. The ability of the young girl to gain weight in the fattening room was a sign that she possessed all the above mentioned qualities.

    In the fattening room, an Efik woman is groomed and molded to know how to care for her prospective husband and what it takes to look after her future home.

    A young girl due to enter the fattening room is usually mandated by her father to do so as the girls chastity is viewed as her father’s responsibility. The father of the girl also invest by paying what is called Eme (coral beads) to appease ”Nku” (the river goddess of the house) before she is accepted into the fattening room. The concept is to show that the parents of the girl are wealthy enough to give their daughter a good life.

    Once in the fattening room the girls are kept away from their family members and friends, the only visitors allowed are the elderly women in the community who come to pass on lessons on marital etiquette and acceptable social customs and behavior. The girls are also handfed Heavy meals rich in carbohydrate and fat,

    Sometimes the girls do not find this process pleasant as they have to consume the food regardless of their appetite.  They are also given all-round beauty treatment from head to feet, using what is called ndom (native chalk) and other massage oils made from natural plants. The training and beauty therapy is carried out over a period of one month or more while the girls are each housed in seclusion away from the public as they undergo preparation for marriage and womanhood. Before the end of their stay in the fattening room the girls are circumcised by their mothers this is to ensure she has limited sexual activity and remains chaste till marriage, it also helps her remain faithful in her marriage.

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    At the end of the Nkugho the girl is ceremoniously revealed to the community to show how big and beautiful she is now, well-wishers and potential suitors are also invited to watch her dance. The Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State also practice the fattening room tradition. The tradition is somewhat similar to that of the Efiks, but the Ibibios call the fattening room Mbopo.

    Although this practice is going into extinction, traditionally some people still observe it and hold it to a very high esteem.

    Equally in the rural communities it is seen as a way a young maiden purify herself and keeps herself solely for the husband and in turn she is being honoured by her husband and family at large. Our cultural practice is part and parcel of our existence and live within us, which will in turn be transferred to generation yet unborn.

    • Ekwunazor is Assistant Director (Education) National Museum, Onikan.Lagos
  • Falling trees destroy properties in Calabar

    Falling trees destroy properties in Calabar

    Residents of Atimbo in Calabar, Cross River, have urged the state government to address the issue of falling trees during rainfalls.

    They said that falling of venerable trees have been destroying their properties especially houses and cars under them.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Nissan Xterra Jeep was destroyed in one such incidences.

    in 2024 also a tree fell around the Muritala Muhammed highway on a mini bus killing one of its occupants who was a lecturer at the University of Calabar.

    Mr Samuel Ekpenyong, an eye witness, told NAN on Tuesday, that the rain that fell on Monday evening came with stormy winds and a resident’s car was damaged.

    “She was still calling out for the gate to be opened for her when a huge tree in front of the building fell on the car and seriously damaged it.

    “Although the woman was not injured because she was not in the car when the tree fell, this is one too many damages in Calabar,” Ekpeyong said.

    Miss Ikaete Livinus, another resident in the area, said there have been complaint about some of the trees in Calabar metropolis that have become too old and too large.

    “Late 2024, Calabar was rendered without power for days because of a similar stormy rain that brought countless old trees down in the city.

    “These trees did not just fall, they destroyed power installations like wires, poles, private properties like shops and buildings.

    “It even made it practically impossible to access the Muritala Muhammed Highway because of the number of huge untrimmed trees that fell that night.

    “The state government needs to be proactive and start assessing these trees early before the rainy season,” she said.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Moses Osogi, sympathised with those that have lost properties from the fallen trees.

    He urged people in the city to park far away from trees whenever there is a storm.

    Osogi said the state government was taking measures to ensure that old trees in the city are cut down to prevent more catastrophe.

    “We have a unit in the Ministry of Environment whose responsibility is to identify and cut down old trees, if you go around the city you will see what we are doing, we are really trying our best, it is a gradual process.

    “We advise people who may have identified old trees that looks like it may fall to come to the ministry.

    ”The unit responsible will certify that the tree is actually old and go ahead to cut it down or prune it,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • How flood swept away nursing student in Calabar

    How flood swept away nursing student in Calabar

    A 23 year old  student of the Federal Nursing Science college Calabar, Ms Elizabeth Awhobiwom Ukah, has been found  dead in a drainage ditch five days after flood swept her away on Easter Friday. 

    Eyewitnesses stated the state and position of the deceased indicated she was carried away by flood.

    The flood resulted from the heavy rainfall on Friday  evening while  the deceased was  returning home from Good Friday Mass of the Cross at Holy Family Catholic Church Big-Qua Town by  Eastern Secondary School, close to Marian Market, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    The body was found on  Tuesday and has been deposited in an undisclosed mortuary.

    It was gathered the late student was a native of Ohong community in Obudu local government area of northern Cross River State.

  • How power bikers revved revellers to frenzy at Calabar

    How power bikers revved revellers to frenzy at Calabar

    No fewer than 200 power bikers converged on Calabar penultimate Sunday for the Bikers’ Parade session of the 2024 Carnival Calabar, in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The team, drawn from Motorcycles Clubs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Calabar, dazzled revellers with spectacular and breathtaking stunts on the 12-kilometre route of the carnival, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports

    Their presence was unmistakable and a delight to watch. From safety kits (dress) to engine capacity, colour, shape and design of their bikes, each power biker told a unique story. They rode on their bikes into the city of Calabar from Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as members of five groups.  

    For every revved engine, the roaring sound was not only intimidating, but also peculiar. To the faint-hearted, the accompanying stunts are bitter-sweet and enthralling spectacle to behold. Welcome to the official flag off of Bikers’ Parade, a sought-after event of 2024 Carnival Calabar Festival held on December 29.

    On parade was a team of about 200 Power Bikers who participated in the Bike Carnival, Nigeria’s mini MotorGP. They undertook a 12-kilometre ride several times starting from the Millennium Park at the heart of Calabar amid thunderous cheers from appreciative and excited crowd, who were mainly youths. It was a breathtaking experience for the huge crowd that cheered the bikers who at different times undertook some rare stunts that drew applause.

    The groups included The Metallic Knights, The Diamond, The Invisibles, and The Tinapa, each with a distinctive insignia and safety kits.

    For few hours, they rode along the 12-kilometer street carnival route many times, connecting Mary Slessor Avenue, Marian Road, MCC, the Murtala Mohammed Highway and finally to the 16,000 capacity U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

    The only female among the power bikers at the parade, who is Nigeria’s fastest female biker, Aisha Vatsa, aka Flygirl, described biking as her hobby. Vatsa, the National Secretary of Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, said she participated in the parade to increase awareness on the tourism and health benefits of biking.

    According to her, the main aim of the club was to promote biking through the carnival platform as they desire that Calabar should be known globally as the bikers’ hub.

    This, she said, can be achieved with the excellent road network, beautiful weather and the hospitable people of Calabar.

    “The main focus for us at the Metallic Knights, is we ride safe, while promoting safe riding. I have been riding power-bikes for over 20 years, and I have been to Ghana, Benin Republic and Ivory Coast with my power-bike, and I aspire to visit South Africa and Europe soon,” she said.

    Vatsa, who is a businesswoman and a Motorbike mechanic, said bikers promote engagement with the public and charities. Reccalling her experienced, she said: “I always do very unusual things. I’m currently the fastest female biker in Nigeria. I won the 600 race a few years ago and I still hold the title till now. It’s about just doing what you love. It’s something I always love to do. And I have been doing this for almost 20 years. Biking is not something you use as an occupation it’s something you do for fun. You do it because you want to explore. You want to go to new places.”  

    Beyond the breathtaking speed and stunts by the riders, other attractions to the parade were the beautiful young ladies who rode on the back of the men as pillions. With their long glittering multi-colour hairs that compete with their heights, and crazy bum shorts, they literarily lured many in the crowd to another level of excitement.  It was additional flavour to the glamour and glitz of the entire visual tapestry. 

    One of the bikers, Eric Anderson spoke on why the parade was safe despite the incredible stunts. “No matter how much we want to entertain you with our bikes, safety is key for us,” he said. He disclosed that there are about 80 bikers resident in Calabar.

    Mfon Leonard, who is Lagos-based, said the bikers’ parade is a beautiful product that sells itself, and one activity many, especially youth and young adults look forward to every carnival edition in Calabar.

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    Leonard, a producer and director, noted that while people see bikers as those that live on the edge of life, the carnival brings the reality closer to people to see bikers differently, at least, as entertainers.

    “And you know, there is something about biking for us. It is a form of releasing that adrenaline. When we are stressed, we ride, and we feel very refreshed,” he added. He commended the Cross River State government for sustaining the carnival for 20 years now and also for introducing the bikers’ parade, which has become another Leonard who is also a major highlight after the street party.

    A member of the Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, said he rode on power-bike from Abuja to Calabar to participate at the carnival. “Biking, for us, is a form of releasing that adrenaline. When we are stressed, we go on bike and we feel very refreshed. We just want to have fun here,” he said.

    Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission Sir Gab Onah expressed excitement at the successful outing of the bikers’ parade at the 2024 Carnival Calabar festival.

    He said the parade has grown in popularity over the years, attracting more bikers from across the country and many visitors to Calabar to see the bikers perform, particularly the incredible stunts. Appreciating the professionalism of the bikers, Onah commended the groups for their high level of organisation and zero incidents due to their high regards and compliance to safety measures.

  • 48-year-old remanded in Calabar for allegedly impregnating own daughter

    48-year-old remanded in Calabar for allegedly impregnating own daughter

    Calabar Magistrate Court-1 has remanded 48-year-old Mallam Adamu Ibrahim Umaru for allegedly raping and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter.

    The suspect, an indigene of Bundugudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State residing at No. 27, Edem Odo Street, Calabar, Cross River State capital, was alleged to have had canal knowledge of his daughter against her consent.

    Umaru was remanded by Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene, following hearing on ex parte motion filed by the police prosecutor, O. S Umoren.

    According to Umoren, the ex parte motion became necessary in order for the defendant to be remanded in prison custody until completion of investigation on the matter.

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    The prosecutor said the motion was in pursuant of Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 and also the Cross River State administration of criminal justice law (ACJL) 2016.

    The motion was, however, opposed by the counsel to the defendant, Mohammed Shaibu, who argued that he was not duly served before his client was arraigned.

    The Chief Magistrate subsequently granted the motion supported by eight paragraphs and adjourned the case till December 3, 2024.

  • Five African-American women trace roots to Calabar

    Five African-American women trace roots to Calabar

    Five African-American women on Saturday in Calabar embraced Efik as their ancestral root after being inducted into the kingdom at a formal ceremony by Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House.

    Following their induction, the women had additional names added to their original names.

    They were named: Sandra Baker-Ekanem Abasi Ntiero, Amania Drane-Asari Abasi Ntiero, Brenda Camille Davis-Nkese Abasi Ntiero, Yvonne Taylor-Nkoyo Abasi Ntiero, and Dorletta Flucas Payton-Ekei Abasi Ntiero.

    Following their induction into the Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House, the women were presented to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.

    The Obong of Calabar noted that with their formal induction as members of the Efik Kingdom, they are now bonafide members of Abasi Ntiero Family of Ntiero Edem Efiom Ekpo Royal House of Efik Eburutu Kingdom.

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    The Obong commended them over their decision to trace their roots and described their decision as a welcome development for others to emulate.

    He said: “It’s a welcome development. We don’t want to shy away from it, especially for those who want to trace their roots and have found somewhere convenient for them that they can actually fit in.

    “I welcome all of you to Calabar. I welcome all of you back as you are now a part of the ancient Efik Eburutu Kingdom.”

    A representative of the Americans, Lady Chioma George W, who spoke on their behalf, appreciated the kingdom for giving them a sense of belonging.

    “I feel that I and my fellow African-American ladies are now finally back home. We all feel so special and connected to all the Efik brothers and sisters we have met.

    “Thank you very much for accepting us into your family and home.