Hoodlums Ambush NUJ Bus Carrying Palliatives, Leaves 3 Injured

Hoodlums, numbering over 100, attacked a bus loaded with palliatives belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council.

Journalists, having been informed by Rev. James Anam, Director of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), that they were beneficiaries of the current phase of distribution, hurried to the government warehouse. They successfully transported the food items from Barracks Road, Calabar.

Approximately an hour ago, the palliative-laden vehicle was en route to the NUJ Secretariat when it was attacked. Hoodlums hurled stones at the slowly moving vehicle and stole food items through the broken windows.

Joseph Akpaenin, the bus driver, whose phone was stolen and who sustained a bruised shoulder in the attack, told Vanguard that their saving grace was when the trunk of the bus flung open, causing several bags of rice and garri to drop out. He said the mob’s focus shifted from the bus to the dropped items, allowing him to escape to safety.

The attack also left Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi and the Council’s auxiliary staff member Saviour Ekpenyong with severe bruises and injuries. Both are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.