A police inspector, Effiong Bassey, shot three individuals in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, in the early hours of Sunday, resulting in the death of one victim and injuries to two others. The incident occurred at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, and has sparked concerns over the mental state and conduct of the officer involved.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, on Sunday. According to the statement, Inspector Bassey had returned from night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began exhibiting abnormal behavior. “Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises,” the statement read.
Despite attempts by colleagues to resolve the situation peacefully, Bassey’s actions escalated, prompting the deployment of tactical units and patrol teams to the scene. The officer, suspected to be mentally unstable, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area. Tragically, three individuals were struck by stray bullets. Among them, 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot succumbed to her injuries, while the other two victims, Charles Mkpang and an unnamed individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
The police eventually subdued and disarmed Bassey, who is now in custody and undergoing further investigation. The Cross River State Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In response to the tragedy, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims are receiving treatment. The AIG made a donation to support the immediate medical care of the injured and expressed regret over the incident.
The police command has also engaged with key stakeholders in the community to de-escalate tensions and prevent further unrest. In its statement, the Command urged the families of the victims and the public to remain calm, promising that the investigation would be conducted transparently and that the findings would be made public in due course.
“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
The incident has raised serious questions about the mental health and vetting processes for police officers, as well as the protocols for handling firearms within the force. It also highlights the need for improved training and support systems to address mental health issues among law enforcement personnel.
As the investigation continues, the Cross River State Police Command faces the challenge of restoring public trust and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement, as well as the need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard both officers and the communities they serve.
