A Police Inspector, one Effiong Bassey, ran amok Sunday, shooting indiscriminately, killing one civilian identified as Mrs Ijoema Obot and injuring two others in Calabar, Cross River State capital.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 6:00 a.m when the Inspector, who went on night duty at one of the Microfinance Banks in Calabar South returned to the Atakpa Divisional Police station and allegedly started behaving abnormally.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS gathered that when the policeman returned from duty, he allegedly refused to return the AK-47 rifle he used for the night duty to the armourer, but rather cocked the gun and threatened to shoot his colleagues on sight.
A security source who pleaded anonymity also told our reporter that, “Inspector Bassey, who was on night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South started being hostile and erratic when he returned from night duty to Atakpa Divisional Police station.
“He blocked the gate of the station, refused anyone exit or entry into the facility, all efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue proved abortive,” the sources added.
Further findings revealed that tactical teams were later mobilized to the scene and when he sighted them, he became apprehensive and started shooting indiscriminately.
“In the process, he shot three persons including one Mrs. Ijoema Obot, 41, and wife of a retired police officer and two others,” our reporter was told.
“Mrs. Obot was confirmed dead at the Police Hospital, Akim, while two others are currently being treated,” the sources also said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.
“The matter is under control, we have arrested the suspect, and the victims are receiving treatment as we speak,” SP Ugbo said.
