Suspected mentally deranged cop detained for killing bystander in C’Rivers

The police authority in Cross River State has detained a police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, who was suspected to be mentally deranged, for killing a bystander and injuring two in a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday.

PUNCH Metro learnt that in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, that Bassey, attached to the Atakpa Division in Calabar, had returned from his night duty to the station at about 5 a.m. when he began to exhibit strange behaviour.

The PPRO noted that when he was asked to submit his rifle, he refused but instead proceeded to block the entrance of the station.

She stated, “An officer, Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the mentioned division, returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour.

“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.”

Ugbo stated that the cop resorted to opening fire at bystanders, with three persons hit by the gunshots, leaving a 41-year-old female dead and two others in critical condition.

She added that the officer was eventually subdued and taken into custody for further investigation.

“Tragically, three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.

“The officer was eventually subdued, disarmed, and is now in police custody. He is undergoing further investigation into the incident.”

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased woman, Ugbo noted that the police had donated to the treatment of the injured bystanders.

She stressed that the Command would ensure justice is served for the incident.

“The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, and the Cross River State Command Management Team visited the hospital where the victims were receiving care.

“The AIG also donated to support the immediate treatment of the injured. Efforts to engage with key stakeholders are ongoing to ensure that the tension in the community is de-escalated. The Police Command urges the families of the victims and the public to remain calm as the investigation into this unfortunate incident continues.

“The Cross River State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Ugbo concluded.

PUNCH Metro reported last Saturday that a police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a ceramics company in Igbesa, Ogun State, where he was stationed as part of the security detail.

According to the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, an officer from Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, Tolorunloju Stephen, discovered the incident upon returning from Ikeja.

Stephen reportedly found Oloyede resting his head on a table inside the security office.