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There was panic in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday, as police rescued a 400 level University of Calabar student, Kingsley Paul, who climbed a 60ft floodlight to protest the dilapidated state of the UJ Esuene Stadium.

Twenty-four-year-old Paul, who got the attention of passers-by at the UJ Esuene Stadium said he was not trying to commit suicide or steal, that he did that to call attention of government to the dilapidated structure.

Paul was rescued by men of Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Squad, AKCS (Dragon Squad) of the state Police Command, who thought he was going to commit suicide.

When interrogated, the protester said he was moved by the spirit of God to climb the floodlight to protest and call the attention of state government.

“I was moved by the spirit of God to climb the flood light in the stadium to draw attention to the dilapidated basic facilities in the place, I am not a thief.

“I also did not attempt suicide, I am a student of philosophy at the University of Calabar, 400 level, I have no reason to want to kill myself.

“My intention was simply to create awareness and draw government’s attention to look into the plight of the stadium,” he said

Speaking with newsmen, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, said: “He said he is a sports lover and wasn’t happy about the way a lot of the facilities within and around the stadium had been abandoned to rot away.”

“We will further profile him as it will help us to know if there is a hidden intention because we won’t tolerate any kind of agitation that may lead to a second #ENDSAR protest.”