By Asuquo Cletus
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, when a police inspector opened fire, killing one person and injuring two others.
The shooting occurred along Watt Market Road, near the Atakpa Police Station. Eyewitnesses reported that the inspector, who had just returned from duty, refused to surrender his rifle and began exhibiting erratic behaviour.
As his colleagues attempted to disarm him, the inspector allegedly fired indiscriminately, killing one civilian on the spot and injuring two others. The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident, stating that the inspector had been taken into custody.
Ugbo further disclosed that the police command had temporarily sealed off the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order. She assured that the situation was under control, with the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police present at the scene.
According to Ugbo, “That’s where we are right now, we are on the ground, trying to ensure the area remains calm.
“The report we received is that the said inspector had returned from duty. Normally, policemen work through the night and are required to surrender their rifles at the station. However, he suddenly began behaving irrationally and speaking incoherently.
“He was supposed to surrender his rifle, log out, and leave the station, but instead, he started acting strangely, and officers around tried to calm him down.
“Then, he just took the rifle and began shooting sporadically. That was how the bullets hit three persons—one has been confirmed dead, while two others are receiving treatment.
“We had to contain the situation because the youths in the area attempted to burn down the police station. However, we have restored calm, and even the AIG is here.”
