Calabar, Cross River – Charles Mkpang, the sole survivor of a tragic shooting incident on March 23, 2025, involving a mentally unstable police officer at the Atakpa Divisional Police Station in Calabar, is appealing for urgent government assistance. Three other victims of the shooting, carried out by Inspector Effiong Bassey, succumbed to their injuries.
According to The Conveseeer News, Mkpang, who sustained severe bullet wounds resulting in partial paralysis and a debilitating hole in his mouth, described his dire condition to reporters. “If I drink water or eat, it comes out through my nose. I cannot lift my left hand or leg. I am living in pain every day,” he lamented.
The financial support Mkpang has received has been insufficient to cover his extensive medical needs. He stated that he received ₦400,000 from the Governor’s wife and ₦500,000 from popular social media personality VeryDarkMan. Additional contributions included ₦50,000 from the Police AIG (Assistant Inspector General), followed by another ₦100,000 the next day, and ₦50,000 from a female police officer.
A significant portion of these funds has been spent on medication, with one particular drug costing ₦42,000 for just a few days’ supply. After initial surgery, Mkpang was moved to a stroke centre, where he incurred daily costs of ₦18,000 for nearly three weeks.
Despite being discharged, Mkpang continues to suffer from severe complications. Doctors have recommended a second surgery, but he lacks the necessary funds. “I have two children. I cannot work. I need help from the government,” Mkpang pleaded, emphasizing his inability to provide for his family due to his injuries.
The police have indicated that efforts by the Cross River State Government to assist Mkpang have not yielded the desired results. Despite initial promises, Mkpang asserts that no government body has taken full responsibility for his ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, leaving him to face his arduous recovery largely alone.
