By Deborah Nnamdi
The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed Inspector Effiong Bassey for fatally shooting one individual and injuring two others in Calabar, the state capital.
Police spokesperson Irene Ugbo confirmed the dismissal in a statement on Monday, noting that Bassey has been arraigned and is currently remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre.
She said, “The Police Officer has been duly dismissed, charged to court, and remanded at Afokang Correctional Centre. We visited the deceased family on the same day and also went to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to see the injured victims, who underwent a successful surgery.
“As we speak, the victim is recuperating, and we are making efforts to ensure that all affected parties are well taken care of. At no time did we abandon any of the victims, including the family of the deceased.
“We gave financial support from day one when the incident happened, and nobody, including the deceased family, victims, and their families, were not carried along. I can assure you that the surgery on the victim who was shot in the neck was successful, and he is recovering fast. We shall give further updates on his health.”
She criticized what she described as unverified reports suggesting that the police had neglected the victims, urging journalists to confirm details before publication.
Naija Daily News reports that Inspector Bassey returned from night duty on Sunday, March 23, 2025. He suddenly began behaving irrationally and speaking incoherently.
Instead of surrendering his rifle, he started acting strangely and began shooting sporadically.
The bullets hit three persons; one died on the spot, while two others were severely injured.
