Robbers invade famous Calabar market thrice in a week

Armed robbers have ransacked the popular Watt Market in the centre of Calabar city, at least three times last week, Daily Trust has learnt. It was gathered that over the weekend, numbering no less than 20 armed robbers in daylight entered shop after shop in the market and looted goods. Fleeing market women said some […]

Armed robbers have ransacked the popular Watt Market in the centre of Calabar city, at least three times last week, Daily Trust has learnt.

It was gathered that over the weekend, numbering no less than 20 armed robbers in daylight entered shop after shop in the market and looted goods.

Fleeing market women said some of them wore face masks while others did not, and were armed with shotguns.

A witness said the robbers beat up some young men who did not immediately know that they were armed robbers and carted away their wares, shooting into the air sporadically to scare away people.

In the ensuing stampede, witnesses said policemen at the nearby Atakpo police station had to lock their gates to prevent the flood of fleeing people, and could not come out to confront the hoodlums either.

According to one of the unit leaders in the market, Mrs Felicia Adams, in the textile line, “the armed robbers have entered this market not less than three times this week.

“They always come into the market in the day time in their numbers, armed with knives, machetes and pistols, wearing face masks. They would beat up unsuspecting traders, steal their money and goods.”

Adams could not immediately put a figure to the quantity of goods carted away by the robbers.

When contacted, Cross River State police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, said they were aware of the incident and that they were working on the links available.