Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was thrown into panic on Sunday morning when a police officer, identified as Inspector Effiong Bassey, went on a shooting spree at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, killing one person, injuring two others, and temporarily holding his colleagues hostage.
The tragic event unfolded after the inspector returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began displaying abnormal behavior, according to a statement released by the Cross River State Police Command.
How the Incident Unfolded
The police statement, signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Ugbo Irene, revealed that Bassey refused to hand over his AK-47 rifle after completing his night shift. Instead, he blocked the station’s entrance, preventing officers and civilians from moving in and out of the premises.
Despite multiple attempts by his colleagues to calm him down, Bassey became increasingly aggressive, raising concerns about his mental stability. The situation escalated when he fired indiscriminately, hitting three people who were nearby.
“Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, refused to surrender his weapon and went on a shooting spree, hitting three individuals, including a woman who later succumbed to her injuries,” the statement read.
Casualties of the Shooting
Among the victims was 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson Obot, who was fatally shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital due to her injuries.
The two other victims, identified as Charles Mkpang and another yet-to-be-named individual, sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. According to police reports, both survivors are currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Bassey Overpowered and Arrested
Following the shooting, panic spread across the police station and surrounding areas. The Cross River State Police Command immediately deployed tactical units and patrol teams to handle the situation.
After a tense standoff, officers overpowered Bassey, disarmed him, and took him into police custody.
“The suspect was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is currently undergoing investigation to determine the full extent of his actions and motives,” the police statement added.
Police Authorities React
In response to the shocking incident, top police officials, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, and members of the Cross River State Command Management Team, visited the hospital where the injured victims were being treated.
During the visit, the AIG made a financial donation to support the victims’ immediate medical needs and assured their families of justice.
The police command also stated that it was working closely with community leaders to prevent any escalation of tensions following the incident.
“We urge the public to remain calm and trust the police authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the unfortunate event,” the statement read.
Was Bassey Suffering from Mental Illness?
While the police are yet to officially confirm whether Inspector Bassey was suffering from mental health issues, the nature of the attack has raised serious questions about his psychological state.
There have been growing concerns over the mental health of police officers in Nigeria, especially those handling firearms. Officers are often exposed to extreme stress, poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and long hours, which can lead to psychological breakdowns.
Experts argue that many cases of police brutality, indiscriminate shootings, and officer misconduct are linked to untreated mental health issues among security personnel.
A senior police source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that Inspector Bassey had previously shown signs of erratic behavior, but no official action was taken.
“There were reports that he had been acting strangely in recent weeks, but no one took it seriously. This tragic incident could have been prevented if the signs were addressed earlier,” the source said.
Growing Concerns Over Police Misconduct in Nigeria
This incident is not an isolated case. Reports of police officers misusing their firearms or acting irrationally have become increasingly common in Nigeria.
Several cases of officers shooting civilians over minor disagreements, disputes, or mistaken identity have raised alarm bells about police training, discipline, and mental health care.
In recent years, multiple fatal shootings by officers have sparked public outrage, leading to protests and calls for police reform.
Some key cases include:
- The #EndSARS protests (2020): A nationwide movement against police brutality, sparked by extrajudicial killings and harassment by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
- The 2023 Ajah shooting: A police officer shot and killed a young female lawyer, Bolatito Ajoke Raheem, in Lagos.
- The Ogun State police shooting (2024): An officer killed two civilians during an argument over a parking space.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for better mental health screening, counseling, and regular psychological evaluations for Nigerian police officers.
What Happens Next?
Following Inspector Bassey’s arrest, the Cross River State Police Command has launched an internal investigation to determine:
- The root cause of his actions.
- Whether he had a history of mental health issues or disciplinary cases.
- If there were any failures in police procedures that contributed to the incident.
The outcome of the investigation will determine the next course of action, including possible criminal prosecution or medical evaluation for the officer.
Calls for Reform and Justice
The families of the victims, human rights activists, and concerned citizens are demanding justice and accountability. Many are calling for:
- A transparent investigation into the case.
- Psychological evaluations and counseling for all police officers.
- Better working conditions to reduce stress among officers.
- Stricter gun control policies within the force.
A legal expert, Barrister Chuka Anya, emphasized the need for police reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This tragic event highlights the importance of regular mental health screenings for officers. The government must prioritize the well-being of our security personnel to protect the lives of innocent civilians,” he said.
What you should know
The tragic shooting in Calabar has once again brought to the forefront the issue of police misconduct and mental health challenges in Nigeria’s security forces.
While the Cross River State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation, the incident is an urgent call for reforms in Nigeria’s policing system.
