Godsent Ogbebor
Cross River Police Dismiss Officer for Fatal Shooting
The Cross River State Police Command has dismissed Inspector Effiong Bassey, the officer responsible for the shooting that killed one person and injured two others in Calabar.
State police spokesperson Irene Ugbo confirmed the development on Monday, stating that Bassey has been formally charged and remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre.
“We have dismissed the officer. He has been arraigned and is currently in custody,” Ugbo said.
She noted that the police responded immediately to the incident, visiting the family of the deceased and checking on the injured victims at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
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“One of the victims was shot in the neck, underwent successful surgery, and is recovering well. We’ve been involved from the start, supporting the victims and their families financially and emotionally,” she added.
Ugbo dismissed claims that the police abandoned the victims. “At no point did we neglect them. We’ve provided assistance and remain in close contact with all affected parties,” she said.
She also urged media outlets to verify their reports, warning against the spread of misinformation.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to justice and accountability, stressing that the actions of one officer should not overshadow the force’s efforts to maintain law and order in the state.