An officer from the Cross River Police Command, Inspector Effiong Bassey, shot and killed one civilian and seriously injured several others on Sunday morning after returning from a night shift.
According to sources cited by the Tribune Online, Inspector Bassey refused to surrender the AK-47 rifle assigned to him and blocked the station’s gate, preventing both entry and exit. Attempts to peacefully resolve the situation only escalated tensions further.
When Tactical Units and patrol teams arrived, the disturbed officer opened fire on bystanders directed to evacuate the area.
Tragically, three individuals were struck by his stray bullets, including 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot, who later succumbed to her injuries.
The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual are currently hospitalized but in stable condition, sources told Tribune Online.
The officer has since been subdued, disarmed, and is now in police custody as the investigation continues, it was gathered.
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with the Assistant Inspector General of Police from Zone 6 Headquarters in Calabar and the management team of the Cross River State Command visiting the victims at the hospital.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, stated that the AIG made a donation to assist with the injured’s immediate treatment and noted ongoing efforts to engage key community stakeholders to alleviate local tensions.
Irene said, “The Police Command asks the victims’ families and the public to remain calm as the investigation continues. The Cross River State Police Command is dedicated to upholding justice, fairness, and equity, and updates on the investigation will be shared in due course.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish a swift recovery to the injured.”
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