On a fateful day in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Inspector Effiong Bassey, a police officer assigned to night duty at a Microfinance Bank, went on a violent rampage that ended with the tragic death of Mrs. Ijeoma Obot, a 41-year-old wife of a retired police officer, and left two others injured. The shocking incident, which involved Bassey shooting indiscriminately at passersby, can be traced not only to personal instability but also to a much larger societal issue, i.e., Nigeria’s mental health issues. As the nation grapples with the realities of police brutality, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of mental health infrastructure, Bassey’s actions underscore a critical, often overlooked facet of Nigerian life, the mental well-being of individuals, particularly within law enforcement.
Here, we explore the factors surrounding Inspector Effiong Bassey’s breakdown in Calabar, provide insight into mental health challenges in Nigeria, and argue for the urgent need for mental health reform within Nigeria’s police force and society at large. By reflecting on the psychological theories, real-life consequences, and the broader systemic issues, we hope to draw attention to the mental health of those who protect and serve and the potential for meaningful change.
Effiong Bassey’s breakdown didn’t seem to come out of nowhere. According to news reports, he began to show hostile and erratic behaviour soon after returning from his night duty. He blocked the gate of the Atakpa Divisional Police Station, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the premises. Efforts by colleagues to disarm him through peaceful negotiation were unsuccessful.
Eventually, tactical units were called to the scene, and upon sighting them, Bassey opened fire, indiscriminately wounding Mrs. Obot and two others. Despite all attempts to revive her, Mrs. Obot, quite unfortunately, passed on at a police clinic. This violent outburst, tragic as it was avoidable, speaks to a symptom of deeper mental health issues that appear to go largely unnoticed and untreated, especially among those in high-stress professions like policing. It mirrors a larger mental health crisis that affects millions in Nigeria, with law enforcement officers being especially vulnerable to the pressures of their profession.
Globally, approximately 450 million people are living with some form of mental illness. Of this figure, 300 million suffer from depression, 60 million are affected by bipolar disorders, 23 million struggle with schizophrenia and psychoses, and around 50 million are living with dementia (World Health Organization, 2021). In Nigeria, an estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians are affected by various mental health conditions. Nigeria is also one of the most suicide-prone countries globally, with an estimated 15,000 suicides per 100,000 cases (Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019). This statistic points to a systemic failure to recognize, address, and support individuals suffering from mental health issues. Mental illness in Nigeria is often stigmatised, leading to social ostracism, discrimination, and under-diagnosis, which in turn worsens the public health crisis. The situation becomes even more critical in high-stress occupations like law enforcement, where officers are required to make life-or-death decisions on a daily basis, often without proper psychological support.
The profession of policing is recognized worldwide as one of the most stressful jobs. Officers are exposed to constant danger, emotional trauma, and often must deal with societal issues like violence, crime, and poverty. In our contemporary clime, police officers are not only subject to these pressures but also operate within an environment where systemic issues including poor remuneration, and inadequate psychological support often lead to emotional strain. Without sufficient care, this stress can lead to psychological breakdowns like the one seen in Calabar. Law enforcement officers are regularly exposed to trauma-inducing events such as violent crimes, accidents, and sometimes even political instability or civil unrest. Over time, such continuous exposure can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and even violent outbursts. Unfortunately, there seems to be little provision for mental health care for those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. The focus is primarily on physical fitness, weapons training, and law enforcement tactics, with little regard for the emotional and mental well-being of officers.
Extant literature brims over with psychological theories on mental health breakdown and the impact of repression, emotional neglect, and unresolved trauma on characters like Inspector Bassey. Sigmund Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind suggests that people often suppress traumatic memories, emotions, and experiences that they cannot cope with consciously. Repressed emotions and trauma do not simply disappear; they resurface in destructive ways when the mind can no longer suppress them. In Bassey’s case, his inability to express or address his psychological turmoil, combined with his high-stress work environment, may have triggered an explosive outburst. Alex Michaelides’ opinion that “unexpressed emotions will never die; they are buried alive, and will come forth later, in uglier ways,” highlights how emotions that are not processed properly can manifest as violent behaviours.
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, argued that lack of meaning in one’s life is a key factor that contributes to mental distress. For many police officers, particularly those in conflict zones or with little support, their work may feel meaningless or overwhelming, leading to burnout, hopelessness, and eventually violent behaviour. In the case of Inspector Bassey, the loss of control over his emotional state for whatever reason(s), could have precipitated his breakdown. Cohen’s quote, “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in,” speaks to the idea that imperfections, trauma, and pain are inherent in the human condition. Healing and growth can only occur when we acknowledge these vulnerabilities and take steps to address them. In Bassey’s case, his actions were likely a cry for help, a manifestation of internal emotional and psychological pain that had been ignored or untreated.
The events in Calabar reveal not only the personal breakdown of an officer but also the systemic challenge of Nigerian law enforcement in addressing the mental health of its personnel. The Nigerian police force, like many institutions in the country, tends to struggle with requisite provisions for psychological support, which has contributed to increasing cases of violence within the force. Not only does this situation affect the well-being of officers like Inspector Bassey, it also undermines public safety and stretches thin the trust in the police. This explains why reforming the police force to include mental health screening, counseling, and psychological support services is essential. Officers should undergo regular evaluations to assess their emotional health and provide interventions where necessary before symptoms escalate. Furthermore, de-stigmatizing mental illness in Nigerian society at large is crucial. Until society learns to acknowledge and address mental health issues openly, individuals will continue to suffer in silence, sometimes to catastrophic consequences. The Nigerian government may need to prioritize resource allocation for mental health services and community support systems that not only focus on physical health but also provide the necessary tools for emotional and psychological well-being.
The Calabar shooting incident involving Inspector Effiong Bassey is a tragic reminder that mental health is just as critical as physical health, particularly for those in high-stress professions like the police force. Perhaps, there is no better time to address frontally the mental health issues facing the people, especially those tasked with maintaining public order than now. The path to a safer, healthier society begins with recognising the importance of mental health, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritised alongside physical fitness, and building a system that provides care, support, and understanding for all its citizens. Only then can Nigeria begin to heal, break the cycle of violence, and truly protect those who protect us.
.Agbedo, is a Professor of Linguistics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and a Public Affairs Analyst
