By Deborah Nnamdi
A Police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, went on a violent spree in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday morning, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old civilian, Mrs. Ijoema Obot, while leaving two others injured.
The incident reportedly took place around 6:00 AM, shortly after Inspector Bassey returned from his night shift at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South to the Atakpa Divisional Police Station.
According to reports, upon his return, he refused to surrender his AK-47 rifle, instead cocking the weapon and threatening to shoot his colleagues.
A security source, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that the officer blocked the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the facility.
“Inspector Bassey started behaving strangely, acting hostile and erratic after returning from duty. All efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue failed,” the source revealed.
As the situation escalated, tactical police teams were mobilized to intervene. However, upon seeing them, Bassey panicked and began shooting indiscriminately.
During the chaos, the inspector shot three individuals, including Mrs. Ijoema Obot, the wife of a retired police officer.
“Mrs. Obot was confirmed dead at the Police Clinic, while the two injured victims are currently receiving treatment,” sources told Vanguard.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, assured the public that the situation was under control.
“The suspect has been arrested, and the victims are receiving treatment as we speak,” SP Ugbo stated.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the officer’s actions while ensuring that safety and normalcy are restored in the area.
