The mother of a young man who died after being shot by security operatives in Calabar has vowed to take legal action against the Cross River State government, accusing it of neglect and silence in the aftermath of her son’s death.

The deceased, 22-year-old Moses Mba, was reportedly shot and beaten by security men on August 1 outside the former residence of Governor Bassey Otu.

He was rushed to the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar, where doctors performed surgery to remove bullets from his body. Despite the operation, he succumbed to his injuries on August 9.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar, his mother, Mrs. Victoria Mba, said she has endured weeks of frustration since her son’s death.

According to her, the government has made no official statement on the incident and no report has been made public by the police. She explained that although an autopsy was promised, the family has not been briefed on the outcome.

Mrs. Mba said attempts were made to offer her money as compensation, but she rejected it, insisting that no amount of money can replace her son’s life.

“They think I will collect money and keep quiet, but I will not. My son’s life cannot be bought. I want justice, and I want the truth of what happened to him to be made public,” she declared.

She further disclosed that the family has postponed the burial of Moses until proper accountability is provided. “I cannot bury my son while the people responsible go free. I want justice before anything else,” she said.

The grieving mother revealed plans to seek redress in court, stressing that the family will sue the Cross River State government over the incident.

“We will take legal action. This is the only way to ensure that my son’s death is not swept under the carpet,” she said.

The Cross River State Police Command has yet to comment officially on the matter.