A Police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, caused chaos in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday after opening fire indiscriminately, killing one civilian and injuring two others.
The deceased has been identified as Mrs. Ijoema Obot.
The incident, which occurred around 6 a.m., reportedly began after Bassey returned from his night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South.
Instead of surrendering his AK-47 rifle at the Atakpa Divisional Police Station, he allegedly cocked the weapon and threatened his colleagues.
A security source, who requested anonymity, told Vanguard, “Inspector Bassey who was on night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South started being hostile and erratic when he returned from night duty to Atakpa Divisional Police station.
“He blocked the gate of the station, refused anyone exit or entry into the facility, all efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue proved abortive.”
As the situation escalated, tactical teams were mobilized to contain him. However, upon sighting them, the inspector reportedly panicked and began shooting indiscriminately.
“In the process, he shot three persons including Mrs. Ijoema Obot, 41, wife of a retired police officer and two others. Mrs. Obot was confirmed dead at the police clinic while two others are being treated,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, assured that the situation had been contained.
“The matter is under control, we have arrested the suspect, and the victims are receiving treatment as we speak,” she said.
