Cross River Woman Accuses Governor’s Security of Killing Son

A Cross River resident, Mrs. Victoria Mba, has accused security operatives attached to Governor Bassey Otu’s residence of killing her 21-year-old son, Moses Mba.

Mrs. Mba alleged that her son was beaten and shot on August 1 after attempting to see the governor to deliver what he described as “a message from God.” He later died from his injuries at the Naval Reference Hospital, Calabar.

The grieving mother claimed security operatives monitored the hospital during her son’s stay and that an aide linked to the governor’s chief of staff only contributed part of the mortuary expenses after his death on August 9.

However, Cross River Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, disputed the account, stating that the incident occurred at the governor’s former residence, not his official home. He added that only one security officer was present and alleged the deceased was mentally unstable, citing video evidence of him throwing stones at the officer.

Ekpang condemned the shooting, saying, “No matter the circumstances, the beating and shooting of the boy cannot be justified.”

The state police commissioner confirmed the matter has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. Meanwhile, the victim’s family says they have been denied access to retrieve his body as calls for justice continue.