There was pandemonium in Atakpa, Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, as when a police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, allegedly went berserk, sprayed deadly bullets indiscriminately, killing a woman and injured two others persons in the process.
The shocking incident, occured in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, throwing the community into panic.
The spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the incident, revealed that Inspector Bassey had just returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank when he began acting erratically.
“Inspector Bassey refused to hand over his AK-47 rifle and instead barricaded the Station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises.
“Despite multiple attempts to reason with him, his behaviour escalated dangerously,” Irene said.
What followed was pure chaos. As security teams attempted to contain the situation, Bassey suddenly opened fire, indiscriminately spraying bullets at bystanders.
“Tragically, three people were hit, including 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition,” Irene added.
With panic gripping the area, Tactical Units and Patrol teams swiftly intervened, managing to overpower and disarm the rogue officer.
He was subsequently taken into custody, where he is undergoing further investigation.
Reacting to the horrifying attack, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6, Mustapha Muhamed Bala, alongside the Cross River State Police Command Management Team, rushed to the hospital to visit the wounded victims.
AIG Bala also made a donation to support the victims’ medical treatment, assuring the public that justice would be served.
