Tragedy struck in Calabar, Cross River State, as a police inspector, Effiong Bassey, allegedly went berserk, unleashing a hail of bullets that claimed the life of a woman and left two others injured.
The shocking incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, has sent shockwaves across the community.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, Ugbo Irene, revealed that Inspector Bassey had just returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank when he began acting erratically.
“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over his AK-47 rifle and instead barricaded the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite multiple attempts to reason with him, his behaviour escalated dangerously,” Irene stated.
What followed was pure chaos. As security teams attempted to contain the situation, Bassey suddenly opened fire, indiscriminately spraying bullets at bystanders.
“Tragically, three people were hit, including 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” Irene added.
With panic gripping the area, Tactical Units and Patrol teams swiftly intervened, managing to overpower and disarm the rogue officer.
He was subsequently taken into custody, where he is undergoing further investigation.
Reacting to the horrifying attack, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, alongside the Cross River State Police Command Management Team, rushed to the hospital to visit the wounded victims.
In a move to ease tensions, the AIG also made a donation to support the victims’ medical treatment, assuring the public that justice would be served.
