A traffic enforcement officer attached to the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency has reportedly lost his life after being stabbed by a commercial mini-bus driver during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The tragic Incident occurred on Monday, May 25, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., in the Marian Hills area of Calabar, while officials of the agency were carrying out traffic control and enforcement duties to maintain order and safety on the roads.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Unit, the deceased officer, identified as Mr Akerete Okon, was allegedly attacked while on duty and stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by the driver during an altercation.

The agency stated that the officer, who was unarmed and dressed in official uniform, was carrying out lawful duties at the time of the incident.

Despite efforts to save his life after he was rushed to the hospital, the officer later succumbed to injuries sustained from the attack.

TRAMRA condemned the killing, describing it as a brutal and senseless assault on public officers committed to protecting lives and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic within the state capital.

“The agency strongly condemns this act of violence against its personnel and calls for justice to be served promptly,” the statement said.

The agency disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, while demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect involved in the incident.

TRAMRA also appealed to commercial drivers, transport unions, and members of the public to avoid violence and cooperate with traffic enforcement officials in the discharge of their responsibilities.

According to the agency, attacks on enforcement officers pose a serious threat to public safety, law and order, and undermine ongoing efforts to improve traffic management within the state.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said preliminary findings showed that one Godwin Ukpai Okobo, a commercial mini-bus driver, was involved in an altercation with TRAMRA officials, which allegedly resulted in the death of the officer.

The Command noted that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Command assures members of the public that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted, and further updates will be communicated as necessary,” the statement added.

The Incident has sparked concern among residents and transport stakeholders in Calabar, with renewed calls for improved conflict management between traffic enforcement officers and commercial transport operators across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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