A police officer, identified as Martins Mbang, was shot dead at the venue of the People's Democratic Party’s House of Representatives primary in the Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The primary election was to nominate a candidate for the party in the 2023 general elections for the Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwara federal constituency. 

It was gathered that the policeman and his colleague were shot at the Handmaid’s International Nursery and Primary School along the hospital road where the primary was to be held. 

According to Cross Rivers Watch, supporters of some of the aspirants were protesting for unknown reasons and opened fire on the policemen.

Several shots were fired for about six minutes, which was said to be tense. The shooters were eventually chased away while the PDP members strategised on what to do next. 

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the incident on Monday evening, May 23, said one other officer was injured while eight people were arrested. 

One of our officers was killed and another was injured. We have arrested eight suspects in connection with the incident, "the PPRO stated."

She condemned the dastardly act and said that they had started with violence when the main elections were yet to even start.