By TheWatch.NG | April 14, 2025
The Cross River State Police Command has officially dismissed Inspector Effiong Bassey, the officer responsible for the fatal shooting of one person and injury of two others in Calabar. The incident, which occurred in March, sparked outrage across the state capital.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the state police command, Irene Ugbo, disclosed that the officer had been charged to court and is now remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre.
“The police officer has been duly dismissed, charged to court, and remanded. We visited the family of the deceased on the same day and also checked on the injured victims at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where they underwent successful surgeries,” Ugbo stated.
She emphasized that the Command has been actively involved in supporting all affected families, contrary to reports suggesting negligence.
“As we speak, one of the victims is recuperating well. The police provided financial support from day one. No victim or family member has been left out. The surgery on the victim who was shot in the neck was successful, and his recovery is ongoing. We will continue to provide updates on his condition,” she added.
Ugbo also cautioned journalists and the public against spreading unverified reports, urging media practitioners to confirm facts before publication.
The shooting incident occurred when Inspector Bassey, reportedly returning from night duty, refused to surrender his weapon, turned violent, and opened fire, killing a woman identified as Mrs. Ijeoma Obot and injuring two others.
The tragedy has since reignited public concerns about mental health evaluations for security personnel and ongoing calls for comprehensive police reform in Nigeria.
