The Cross River State Police Command on Sunday intervened in a tense situation at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, UNICAL, suspending a church service to prevent a possible outbreak of violence.
The disruption occurred when a university caretaker committee and an interim chaplain appointed by the Vice-Chancellor attempted to assume control of a service already being conducted by the chapel’s pastor, Rev. Joseph Ushie.
The development created confusion among worshippers and heightened tensions within the congregation.
Speaking to journalists, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Godwin Etim, said the decision to stop the service was taken to avert a breakdown of law and order.
“There was obvious tension at the venue, and allowing the service to continue could have resulted in violence,” Etim stated.
According to him, discussions were held with Ushie, the interim chaplain, and a representative of the church’s Board of Trustees. All parties agreed to suspend the service
