In a shocking incident yesterday morning, Police Inspector Effiong Bassey went on a shooting spree, resulting in the death of one civilian and leaving two others injured in Calabar, Cross River State.
The tragic event unfolded around 6 a.m. when Inspector Bassey returned to the Atakpa Divisional Police station after a night shift at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South. According to sources, the inspector began exhibiting strange behavior, refusing to return the AK-47 rifle he had used during his shift. Instead, he reportedly cocked the weapon and threatened to open fire on his colleagues.
An anonymous security source revealed that Inspector Bassey blocked the gate of the police station, preventing any exit or entry, and attempts to calm him down through peaceful dialogue were unsuccessful. As a result, tactical teams were called to the scene to handle the situation.
When Bassey noticed the presence of the tactical team, he reportedly became agitated and began firing indiscriminately. During the chaos, he shot three individuals, including 41-year-old Mrs. Ijoema Obot, the wife of a retired police officer, who later succumbed to her injuries at the police clinic. The two other victims are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Police Public Relations Officer Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident, stating, “The matter is under control. The suspect has been arrested, and the victims are receiving treatment as we speak.”
An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the inspector's erratic behavior and to provide further details on the incident.
