A traffic enforcement officer attached to the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) has died after he was allegedly stabbed by a commercial mini-bus driver during a routine traffic operation in Calabar South.
   
The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Monday near the Marian Hills area of Calabar during traffic control duties.
 
The agency’s Public Relations Unit, in a statement, said the officer, identified as Mr Akerete Okon, was allegedly attacked by the driver during an enforcement operation.
 
TRAMRA alleged that the officer, who was unarmed and dressed in official uniform, was stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by the suspect without provocation.
 
The agency stated that the victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
 
Reacting to the incident, the agency condemned the assault on public officers tasked with maintaining order and safety on the roads.
 
TRAMRA added that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, while calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect.
 
The agency also appealed to commercial drivers, transport unions and members of the public to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid acts of violence, warning that attacks on enforcement officers threaten public safety and law and order.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary information indicated that Godwin Okobo, a commercial mini-bus driver, was involved in an altercation with TRAMRA officials, which resulted in the death of Okon.
 
Eitokpah said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that further updates would be communicated as necessary.