A staff of the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency in Cross River State has died after he was allegedly stabbed by a commercial mini-bus driver during a traffic enforcement operation in Calabar.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10 a.m. on Monday while officials of the agency were carrying out routine traffic control duties aimed at maintaining order and safety on the roads.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Bassey Okokon, the deceased officer, identified as Akerete Okon, was on duty and dressed in uniform when the attack happened.

Okokon alleged that the driver attacked the officer during an altercation and stabbed him in the chest with a screwdriver.

The agency said efforts were made to save the officer’s life after he was rushed to the hospital, but he later died from the injuries sustained.

The spokesperson described the development as tragic and condemned the attack on personnel of the agency.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said preliminary findings showed that the suspect, identified as Godwin Ukpai Okobo, was involved in a confrontation with TRAMRA officials around the Marian Hills area of Calabar.

According to the police, the altercation allegedly led to the fatal injury of the traffic officer.

Sunday said the command had commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and assured residents that a thorough and impartial probe would be carried out.

He also confirmed that the suspect had been arrested by the police.

The incident comes barely two months after the Cross River State Government suspended road operations of the Vehicle Inspection Officers across the state following complaints of alleged harassment, excessive fines, and heavy penalties imposed on motorists.