By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Cross River State Police Command, on Sunday March 23, 2025 said that concerted efforts are underway to mitigate tensions, as well as ensure peace and security in a Calabar Community where some people were shot by suspected mentally challenged Police personnel.
The Source reports that a police operative, Effiong Bassey, attached to the Atakpa Divisional Police Headquarters, had on Sunday shot and killed one person, and injured several others.
The Police Officer who is believed to be mentally deranged suddenly opened fire at some bystanders close to the Atakpa Police formation in Calabar.
The incident was said to have caused a pandemonium. People scampered for safety.
A statement issued by Irene Ugbo, SP, the Cross River state police Command spokesperson, informed that the officer responsible for the attack has been identified as Inspector Effiong Bassy.
The Officer, according to the statement, returned from his duty postwith his AK-47 rifle only to go berserk shooting some bystanders in the process.
The Police spokesperson said the major concern of the Command is to calm frayed nerves ,and engage with key stakeholders to ensure the reduction of tension in the affected community.
“Bassy returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank,and began to exhibit abnormal behavior.
“Inspector Bassy 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 Bassy, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the are.
“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 two other victims–Charles Mkpang and another individual are currently receiving medical treatment ,and are in stable condition”, Ugbo stated .
The Command noted that investigations are ongoing to unravel the cause(s) of the action of the concerned officer.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG in charge of zone 6, Calabar Mohammed Bala and the Cross River State Command Management team have visited the victims at the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
This is even as the Police Authorities have extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
