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A police officer in Calabar, Cross River State, has been dismissed after fatally shooting a woman and injuring two others. The officer, Inspector Effiong Bassey, has been charged and remanded. Authorities confirm support for victims and ongoing legal proceedings.

A police officer in Calabar, Cross River State, has been officially dismissed after being held responsible for a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a woman and injured two others. The officer, identified as Inspector Effiong Bassey, reportedly opened fire near the Atakpa Police Station along Watt Market Road on March 23, 2025, in an unprovoked act of violence.

Eyewitnesses reported that the scene turned chaotic when Bassey allegedly began shooting at random, striking three bystanders. Among the victims was Ijeoma Wilson Obot, the wife of a retired police officer, who later died from her injuries. Two other individuals were hospitalized, one of whom underwent surgery for a neck injury.

In a statement released by the Cross River Police Command on April 14, spokesperson Irene Ugbo confirmed Bassey’s dismissal from the force. She said he had been arraigned in court and remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre pending trial.

Ugbo also addressed reports suggesting that the victims were neglected by the police, insisting that the command provided immediate financial and emotional support to those affected. According to her, the command visited the victims and the family of the deceased, and has remained in contact with them.

She urged journalists and social media users to verify facts before publication, warning against misinformation that could harm public trust.

The police have promised to provide further updates on the legal proceedings and the condition of the surviving victims.