The remains of the victims were sighted at the scene of the incident in a pool of their blood, as a team of policemen recovered the two rifles that the assailants left behind.
All police stations in Calabar Municipality were in mourning as police officers gathered in groups discussing the incident.
The Guardian learnt that the attack might not be unconnected with the success the state security outfit codenamed Operation Akpakwu, had recorded against kidnappers and other criminals in Calabar and its environs.
When contacted on the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo said the command was in grief and bitter about the ugly development, saying: “It is unfortunate and we feel really sad and in mourning about the death of the four officers.
“We are investigating the matter and will surely get to the root of the incident. The command will do everything within its powers to apprehend the culprits no matter how far they run or hide, we must get them, that I can assure you.”
The command, however, disclosed yesterday that it had already arrested five persons in connection with the killing of the officers.
Briefing journalists, Commissioner of Police (CP), Sikiru Kayode Akande, confirmed the incident saying: “Their target is to dampen our spirit. But we are resolute and we are going to strike back at them.
“It is often said that he who laughs last, laughs the best. Cross River people should wait for that last laugh, it will make us happier. We have arrested five persons in connection with the development and we will arrest more.
“We have received intelligence that a group of suspected cultists are working hard to get weapons for their initiation coming up soon. So, in four days maximum, we will get all those involved in the dastardly act.”
