A police inspector in Cross River State, Effiong Bassey, allegedly went on a shooting spree at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, on Sunday, killing one person and injuring two others.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the officer acted abnormally after returning from a night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank.
According to the police spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, “Inspector Bassey refused to hand over his AK-47 rifle and instead blocked the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Efforts to calm him down failed, and the situation escalated.”
She added that the officer, believed to be mentally unstable, later opened fire on bystanders who had been told to leave the area.
“Tragically, three individuals were shot. Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old woman, later died from her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” the statement read.
Police authorities later disarmed and arrested Bassey. He is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Following the incident, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, and senior officers of the Cross River State Police Command visited the hospital where the victims were being treated.
During the visit, the AIG made a donation to support their medical expenses.
The police urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that justice would be served.
“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring fairness and justice. We will make the outcome of the investigation public,” the statement said.
The police also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a quick recovery.
