By Solomon OKPO
Chaos erupted in Calabar on Sunday as a police officer, suspected to be mentally unstable, went on a shooting spree, killing one person and injuring two others.
The incident occurred shortly after the officer returned from a night shift. According to Irene Ugbo, spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, the officer refused to submit his rifle as required and instead took it outside, where he began shooting at random.
“He came back from night duty in the morning and was supposed to submit his rifle, but he refused. Instead, he went outside and started shooting,” Ugbo told TheCable.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack happened near Watt Market, a bustling commercial hub in the state capital. Traders and passersby scrambled for safety as gunshots rang out.
Before the officer was subdued, three people were struck by bullets—one died instantly, while two others were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Ugbo confirmed that the police authorities have taken swift action, directing that the officer be dismissed with immediate effect.
“Though his mental state hasn’t been officially confirmed, we suspect he is mentally ill. The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) has ordered his immediate dismissal,” she said. “By tomorrow, he will be dismissed and taken to court to face the full wrath of the law.”
The incident has sparked concern over the mental health of security personnel and the handling of firearms within the police force.
