A police inspector attached to the Atakpa Police Station in Calabar South went on a shooting spree early Sunday morning, leaving one person dead and two others critically injured. The tragic incident occurred near the bustling Watt Market, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising fresh concerns about security and police conduct.
Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, whose identity has yet to be disclosed by authorities, appeared agitated before suddenly opening fire on bystanders. The reasons behind his actions remain unclear, and the police command in Cross River State has yet to provide an official statement detailing what led to the violent outburst.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, evacuating the injured victims to an undisclosed hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. The deceased, identified as a young man in his late twenties, was confirmed dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld until his family has been notified.
Local residents expressed shock and fear over the incident, with many calling for a thorough investigation. “This is tragic. We expect the police to protect us, not harm us,” said a trader at Watt Market who witnessed the shooting. Others demanded immediate action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In response, the Cross River State Police Command has reportedly taken the officer into custody for questioning. A senior police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, assured the public that the matter would be investigated thoroughly. “We will not condone any form of misconduct among our officers. A full-scale investigation has already commenced to determine the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event,” the official stated.
The incident has reignited discussions about police reforms in Nigeria, with activists and civil society groups urging authorities to intensify psychological evaluations and training for law enforcement personnel. Concerns over the mental health of officers and the stress they face in the line of duty have been raised repeatedly, with calls for better screening, support systems, and accountability measures.
As investigations continue, the residents of Calabar and the wider Nigerian public await justice for the victims and answers from law enforcement authorities. TheLink News NG will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
