Calabar, Cross River - On the first day of a 10-day protest against bad governance in Nigeria, journalists and activists were assaulted, detained, and taken to an undisclosed location. Despite warnings from the state government, a small group of protesters gathered at the Mary Slessor circle, where security personnel violently arrested them.

Among those arrested was Jonathan Ugbal, Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch, who had posted a video earlier that day commenting on the deserted roads and governance in the state. Human rights activist James Ibor condemned the arrests, alleging that the security agents were attached to Governor Bassey Otu.

Ibor demanded evidence of violence from the protesters and called for their immediate release, expressing disappointment and concern for their safety. The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the right to peaceful assembly in Cross River State.