Three bystanders shot dead by armed policeman in Calabar, Cross River State, ignored warning to steer clear when the Cop suspected to be mentally deranged began to exhibit strange behaviour after returning from night duty, police authorities said.
Spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Command in the State, Ugbo Irene, who confirmed this in a statement, said the tragedy struck in the early hours of Sunday at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar.
The statement said when Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle, assigned to him to police armourer after he arrived the Division. Rather, he proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises.
It explained that despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated,” prompting the 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.
According to Police spokesperson, “returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behaviour”.
“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 statement said officer was eventually subdued, disarmed by other personnel, and is now in police custody, adding that he is undergoing further investigation into the incident, amid tension.
Consequently, 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 where he made a donation to support the immediate treatment of the injured.
The Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
It also explained that police authorities were engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that the tension in the community is de-escalated and called on the families of the victims and the public to remain calm as the investigation into this unfortunate incident continues.
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