Police inspector shoots one dead in Calabar, Cross River

A police inspector was arrested on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after he shot and killed one person and injured two others in Calabar, the capital of Cross River state. The incident took place near the Atakpa Police Station along Watt Market Road. Witnesses reported that the inspector had returned from duty but refused to surrender his rifle. When other officers tried to take the weapon from him, he began firing indiscriminately. One civilian died on the spot, while two others were injured and are receiving medical care. Irene Ugbo, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the inspector was in custody. She mentioned that security measures have been increased to maintain calm in the area after local youths attempted to set the police station on fire. According to Ugbo, the inspector had shown irrational behavior upon returning from duty. Officers expected him to log out and leave but instead, he acted erratically and began shooting. The police have since restored order in the community.