Tension in Calabar as policeman runs amok, shoots 3 dead, injures others

Authorities of the Cross River State Police Command have made frantic moves to pacify the Calabar community after a policeman, described as mentally deranged, shot and killed three persons and injured several others.

The police authorities said the incident happened before 6:00 am on Sunday morning at the Atakpa divisional police headquarters Calabar, adjacent to the popular Watt market.

There was pandemonium and fear as people scampered for safety.

However, a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent Irene Ugbo, said: “Efforts to engage with key stakeholders are ongoing to ensure that the tension in the community is de-escalated.”

Explaining what happened, the statement said the officer, identified as Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the Atakpa Police divisional headquarters, upon returning from his duty post, armed with AK-47 rifle, suddenly ran amock and shot dead theee persons.

He was also said to have shot and injured three more passersby and bystanders.

“Bassey returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit 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. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer's actions escalated.

“Subsequently, tactical units/patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer's stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries.

“The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition,” the statement said.

The statement added that Bassey was eventually subdued, disarmed, arrested and detained.

The incident is being investigated, the statement noted.

The police image maker added that the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, Mohammed Bala, and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims were receiving care.

Condoling the family of the deceased and wishing the injured speedy recovery, the Police Command called on the public to remain calm as the investigation into the tragic incident continues.