Four Killed in Calabar as Policeman Opens Fire at Innocent Passersby

Chaos erupted in Atakpa, near the bustling Calabar Watt Market in Cross River State, on Sunday after an armed police officer allegedly opened fire, killing four innocent passersby.

Eyewitnesses reported that the officer fired multiple shots into the air, but stray bullets struck the victims, who died instantly. “The victims were merely passersby and had no altercation with the policeman. I suspect he ran amok,” a witness recounted.

The sudden shooting sent panic through the crowded commercial area, forcing traders and residents to flee in different directions. In response, the police swiftly barricaded the road to prevent any potential reprisal attacks from the victims’ families and friends, whose identities were yet to be confirmed.

Describing the scene, a local resident, Mrs. Theresa Etim, called it terrifying, adding that people ran for safety as the situation unfolded.

The motive behind the officer’s actions remains unclear. However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Cross River State Command, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

“It’s true. We are currently at the scene. We suspect the officer may have suffered a mental breakdown,” Ugbo stated, emphasizing that the command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting.