A 46-year-old window fabricator, Charles Mkpang, who was mistakenly shot by a policeman three months ago, has been left paralysed and is now pleading for financial assistance to continue his medical treatment.
The incident occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Atakpa Police Station near Watt Market when Inspector Effiong Bassey, who was allegedly mentally unstable, opened fire indiscriminately. The shooting resulted in three deaths and four injuries, with Mkpang among the survivors.
Severe Medical Complications
Speaking with difficulty due to a bullet hole in his mouth, Mkpang described his deteriorating condition: "If I drink water or eat, it comes out through my nose. I cannot lift my left hand or leg. I am living with pain every day."
Following the initial surgery, Mkpang was transferred to a stroke centre where he paid ₦18,000 daily for three weeks. Despite this treatment, he continues to suffer from complications, and doctors have recommended a second surgery.
Financial Burden
Mkpang revealed that he has exhausted his savings and received donations from compassionate individuals, including ₦50,000 from the then Police AIG, followed by another ₦100,000, and an additional ₦50,000 from a police officer from the command.
"The governor's wife sent me ₦400,000. Someone called VeryDarkMan sent in ₦500,000. I spent most of these donations on drugs and the initial surgery," Mkpang explained.
He noted that one particular medication costs ₦42,000 and lasts only a few days. His wife, a primary school teacher, has also depleted her savings, leaving the family dependent on handouts from friends.
"I have two children. I cannot work. I need help from the government," he pleaded.
Police Response
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Omosanyin, stated that they are advocating for the state government to assume responsibility for Mkpang's medical expenses.
"The incident happened before I took over as CP, and it was during the time of former AIG Zone 6, AIG Bala Mustapha Mohammed. We forwarded the requests of both the deceased and the injured to the state government. Government seems to believe it's police negligence, and therefore our responsibility," Omosanyin explained.
The commissioner added that the officer responsible for the shooting has been dismissed from service and is currently on remand at Afokang Correctional Centre after being charged to court.
Omosanyin mentioned that he personally contributed ₦100,000 to Mkpang's medical bills, while the former AIG Zone 6 provided ₦150,000.
Mkpang has reached out to his representative in the State House of Assembly, Stanley Nsemo, who reportedly promised to take the matter to court, but no action has been taken yet.
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