The deputy governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey on Sunday addressed the Calabar community where an armed policeman, reportedly under influence of some substance, went berserk and killed a woman, injuring many others.
The incident happened at the Atakpa police station adjacent to the popular Watt market Calabar very early Sunday morning.
Earlier media reports yesterday by eyewitnesses insisted that three persons were shot dead by the policeman.
Odey visited the injured victims in the hospital and commiserated with family members of the deceased.
He said, “We call for calm. All should be calm. We have addressed the people over this ugly incident. We’re investigating and on top of this matter.
“We’re very sad. We’re very concerned about what happened early this morning.
“This is because as a government we entrust our lives in the hands of the police to protect the lives and properties of the people.
“Yet they’re the same people who have taken the life of one of us.
“We’re concerned that a police officer under the influence of substance, and allegedly mentally challenged, was allowed to have live ammunition.”
In a statement signed by the PPRO Irene Ugbo, the Cross River State Police Command regretted the tragic incident.
The statement said an officer, Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at the Atakpa divisional police headquarters Calabar, and was suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on the bystanders, which claimed a life.
Ugbo explained that Baseey had returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behavior.
“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.
“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.”
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