The Cross River State Police Command has explained further the tragic incident that occurred today, 23rd March, 2025, at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, at approximately 0555hrs.
According to a Statement by the Public Relations officer of the Command, SP Irene Ugbo, an officer, Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the mentioned division, returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behavior.
She said, 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…