A protest by students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) over the death of three students and a staff member in a recent road accident turned violent yesterday in Calabar, leading to the destruction of property at the General Hospital.

Protesters reportedly vandalised parts of the hospital, including an ambulance, while patients and their relatives fled in panic as the unrest escalated.

Security operatives later dispersed the protesters as the disturbance spread towards the vicinity of the Governor’s Office.

Reacting, a public affairs commentator, Clement Ene, condemned the violence, stating that protests should not serve as a cover for the destruction of property.

“Violence under the guise of protest should not be tolerated. I commend the police for this one,” he said.

Another resident, identified simply as Diosk, questioned the preparedness of security agencies, insisting that information about the planned protest had circulated widely beforehand.

“What is the use of intelligence? Are we saying nobody knew there was going to be a protest? Notifications were even given to students on dress code,” he said.

While commending the police for intervening, he argued that early action could have confined the protest within the university.

Another commentator, Godwin, defended the right to protest but stressed that demonstrations must remain peaceful and free of violence. He attributed recurring unrest to unresolved socio-economic challenges and poor infrastructure, particularly the condition of the Calabar–Itu Road.

The police spokesperson in Cross River State, Sunday Eitokpah, said the situation had been brought under control and denied reports that protesters were shot.

“I have been right on the scene from the onset and so far we have been able to put the situation under control. None of the protesters were gunned down,” he said.

He added that officers fired smoke canisters and teargas into the air after some protesters became violent and allegedly attempted to force their way into the Governor’s Office.