Police Halt Church Service at UNICAL to Prevent Violence

Operatives from the Cross River State Police Command stepped in to stop a conflict at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar. They acted to end a Sunday service standoff and prevent possible violence.

The trouble began when the university caretaker committee and an interim chaplain, appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, tried to take over the service led by Rev. Joseph Ushie, the chapel’s chaplain.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this incident led to confusion among worshippers, which made the police intervene to stop the service.

DCP Godwin Etim of the state police command told reporters that he made the call to end the service to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

"There is palpable tension, and with what I see here, if I allow the service to continue, it will lead to bloodshed in this church," he said.

Etim also mentioned that he spoke with the chaplain, the interim chaplain, and a member of the church’s Board of Trustees. They all agreed to suspend the service to keep the peace.

He said both groups would meet with the police command on Monday and urged everyone involved to stay calm.

NAN recalled that a court order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had already stopped the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, and his agents from interfering with the chapel’s activities.

Rev. Joseph Ushie brought a case against the VC, the university's Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, and three others through his lawyer, Chief Mba Ukweni, SAN.

Ushie requested a Motion Ex Parte asking the court to stop the defendants from intimidating, threatening, or assaulting him while he worships at the chapel.

After listening to his lawyer's arguments, Justice Phoebe Ayuba granted an injunction. This order prevents the respondents or anyone acting for them from interfering with the chapel's activities.

The order also told the parties to keep things as they were until the next hearing, which is set for August 20.