The Afokang Federal Prison in Cross River State has been reportedly attacked by militants.
Bellnews learnt that the militants who stormed the prison from the nearby Calabar creeks gunned down a security guard.
The militants reportedly took away his gun.
According to sources that spoke with reporters, the militants did not gain access to the prison yard but only operated at the main gate.
A source said the incident might be related to feeding as there has been grumbling that the new state comptroller sliced food rations to the inmates.
The comptroller summoned an emergency meeting at the head office of the Correctional Centre opposite the Millennium Park, Calabar, over the prison attack.
A resident of the area who gave his name as Godwin Esu, said, “The incident happened around 9 pm. We heard gunshots. We knew it came from the prison. Then there was a stampede. It was after those who shot had gone that we were told that an officer was killed.”
The Public Relations Officer of Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, DSC Effanga Etim, confirmed the incident.
He said a statement would be issued soon.