A 41-year-old female officer, Ijeoma Wilson Obot, has died after being struck by a stray bullet from the gun of Inspector Effiong Bassey. The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, at approximately 5:55 AM at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.
It was reported that Inspector Effiong Bassey, who was assigned to the division, returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began exhibiting abnormal behaviour. He refused to hand over his assigned AK-47 rifle and instead blocked the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Efforts to resolve the situation through peaceful dialogue escalated into a more dangerous situation.
Three individuals were struck by stray bullets fired by Inspector Bassey. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
According to SP Ugbo Irene, Tactical Units and Patrol teams were deployed to the scene. Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally unstable, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area. He was eventually subdued and disarmed and is now in police custody as an investigation into the incident continues.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police at Zone 6 Headquarters in Calabar and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims were being treated. The AIG also made a donation to support the immediate care of the injured. Ongoing efforts are being made to engage with community stakeholders to de-escalate tensions in the area.
The Police Command urges the families of the victims and the public to remain calm as the investigation proceeds. The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring justice, fairness, and equity, and they will make the outcome of the investigation public in due course.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery.
