Police Stop UNICAL Church Service Over Fears Of Violence

Police in Cross River State stopped a Sunday service at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, after a dispute at the church raised fears of violence.

The conflict began when a university caretaker committee and an interim chaplain appointed by the Vice-Chancellor attempted to take control of the service being led by the chapel’s chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie.

The News Agency of Nigeria account carried by Vanguard and Punch said the confrontation caused confusion among worshippers before police intervened and halted the service.

DCP Godwin Etim told reporters he ordered the service to end to prevent a breakdown of law and order. He said he spoke with the chaplain, the interim chaplain and a member of the church’s Board of Trustees, and that the parties agreed to suspend the service.

The groups were invited to the police command on Monday for a meeting, while police urged the parties to remain calm.

The dispute is tied to a pending court matter. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had restrained the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, and people acting through him from interfering with the chapel’s premises and activities, according to the reports.

Ushie had sued the Vice-Chancellor, the registrar and others, asking the court to stop alleged intimidation, threats or assault while he exercised his right to worship at the chapel.

Sources: Vanguard, Punch