A police inspector attached to the Cross River State Police Command opened fire on civilians in Calabar, killing one person and injuring two others before being subdued by security operatives.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning at Atakpa Division, involved Inspector Effiong Bassey, who had just returned from a night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank when he began displaying abnormal behavior.
According to Intelligence sources the officer refused to surrender his AK-47 rifle, cocked it, and blocked the station gate, threatening to shoot anyone who provoked him. Efforts to disarm him peacefully were unsuccessful, prompting the deployment of tactical teams.
“Enough smoke was used to dominate the area, but the officer suddenly opened fire on onlookers who had been warned to leave,” the report stated.
Three people were hit by stray bullets, including 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot, who was later confirmed dead at the police clinic. The other two victims are currently receiving treatment.
Security operatives eventually moved in under the cover of smoke, overpowered the officer, and disarmed him. The situation nearly escalated as an angry mob attempted to attack the police station, but reinforcements were deployed to secure the area.
