Four Reportedly Killed As Policeman Opens Fire At Watt Market, Calabar

At least four people were reportedly shot dead on Sunday morning after a police officer, allegedly suffering from mental instability, opened fire at Watt Market in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

The Police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, unleashed chaos fatally shooting a 41-year-old woman, Mrs. Ijoema Obot, and injuring two others.

Reportedly, the incident occurred around 6:00 AM after Bassey returned from night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South to the Atakpa Divisional Police Station.

Reports indicate that he refused to surrender his AK-47 rifle, instead brandishing the weapon and threatening his colleagues.

A video circulating on X shows one of the victims lying on the ground as a crowd gathered around the scene, with more people rushing to the market following the incident.

According to an anonymous security source, Bassey blocked the station’s entrance, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Attempts to calm him down failed, leading to a tense standoff.

As tactical police teams arrived to intervene, the inspector panicked and opened fire indiscriminately. Mrs. Obot, the wife of a retired police officer, was shot and later confirmed dead at the Police Clinic, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Police spokesperson SP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident, assuring the public that Bassey had been arrested and the situation was under control.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.