The authorities of the Cross River State Police command have made frantic movements to pacify the community of Calabar after a policeman, described as mentally upset, triggered and killed three people and wounded several others.
Police authorities said the incident occurred before 6:00 am on Sunday morning at the police headquarters of the Division of Atakpa Calabar, adjacent to the popular Watt market.
There was pandemonium and fear when people ran for security.
However, a statement signed by the public relations officer, Superintendent Irene UGBO, said: “The efforts to interact with the key interested parties are ongoing to ensure that the voltage in the community is broken down.”
Explaining what happened, the statement said that the officer, identified as Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the headquarters of the Atakpa Police Police, returning from his service post, armed with the AK-47 rifle, suddenly ran furniture and killed people.
It was also said that he shot him and wounded three more passers -by and spectators.
“Bassey returned from his night service in the Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behavior.
“Inspector Bassey refused to deliver the AK-47 rifle that was assigned and, on the other hand, proceeded to block the station door, preventing anyone from entering or abandoning the facilities. Despite the attempts of Pacific dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer's actions increased.
“Subsequently, the tactical units/patrol equipment deployed on the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected of being mentally upset, opened fire against the spectators who had received instructions to leave the area.
“Tragically, three people were attacked by the street bullets of the officer, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41 -year -old woman, who later succumbed to her wounds.
“The other two victims, Charles MKPang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition,” said the statement.
The statement added that Bassey was finally subjected, disarmed, arrested and detained.
The incident is being investigated, said the statement.
The police image manufacturer added that the inspector General Police Assistant, the headquarters of Zone 6, Calabar, Mohammed Bala and the Cross River state command team visited the hospital where the victims were receiving attention.
Condoling to the family of the deceased and wishing that the rapid injured recovery, the police command asked the public to remain calm as the investigation into the tragic incident continues.