C’RIVER: Policeman goes ‘berserk’, shoots three in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Ugbo Irene, the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.

She said Bassey “returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour.”

“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,” the statement read.

“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 Command’s spokesperson stated that the officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is now in police custody, adding that he is undergoing further investigation into the incident.