Alleged mentally ill police inspector kills one, injures two in Calabar

Abdullateef Fowewe

An inspector from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Atakpa, Calabar, Effiong Bassey opened fire at the station on Sunday, March 23, following an alleged mental breakdown, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others.

A statement by the Cross River State Police Command, noted that the incident occurred shortly after Inspector Bassey returned from night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank.

His erratic behaviour reportedly raised concerns, and he refused to surrender his AK-47 rifle when requested by fellow officers.

In the ensuing commotion, Bassey opened fire, fatally wounding Ijeoma Wilson Obot and injuring Charles Mkpang and another unidentified victim.

The inspector was subdued and taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing.

However, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, along with the Cross River State Command Management Team, has visited the injured victims in the hospital.

The statement reads, “The Cross River State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 23rd March 2025, at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, at approximately 0555hrs. An officer, Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the mentioned division, returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour.

“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated.

“Subsequently, Tactical Units/Patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets,including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. The officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is nowin police custody. He is undergoing further investigation into the incident.”