
Cross River Tragedy: Officer’s Outburst Leads to Death of Four Passersby
On March 23, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near the Atakpa Police Station, close to the bustling Watt Market in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. An armed police officer allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of four innocent passersby.
Details of the Incident:
- Location: The shooting took place at Atakpa, near the popular Watt Market in Calabar South.
- Victims: Four individuals, comprising both traders and passersby, lost their lives in the incident. Their identities have not been disclosed at this time.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses reported that the officer fired multiple shots into the air, with bullets tragically striking the victims. One observer suggested that the officer might have experienced a sudden mental breakdown.
- Police Response: Following the shooting, law enforcement authorities cordoned off the area to prevent potential retaliatory actions from the victims’ families and to manage the ensuing panic among residents and traders.
Official Statement:
The Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the occurrence, stating, “It’s true, we are at the scene of the incident.”
Current Status:
The specific reasons behind the officer’s actions remain under investigation. Authorities are working diligently to ascertain the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.