A wave of sorrow swept through the city of Calabar on Tuesday evening following the sudden death of a police inspector, Stephen Enang, who reportedly slumped and died shortly after watching Arsenal secure a stunning 3-0 victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Inspector Enang, a native of Ekori in the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way, Calabar.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at a popular football viewing centre on Abang-Asang Street. Enang, described as a devoted Arsenal supporter, was said to be in high spirits throughout the match, cheering jubilantly as the Gunners scored each of their three goals.
“He was in great spirits—healthy, happy, cheering every goal,” said one of Enang’s close friends who was present at the viewing centre and requested anonymity. “Arsenal scored the first, second, and third goals, and he was overjoyed. He jumped up in excitement multiple times. But after the final whistle, when everyone started leaving, we noticed Stephen wasn’t getting up like the rest of us. That’s when we realized something was wrong.”
Witnesses say Enang was found slumped in his seat and unresponsive. He was quickly rushed to the Police Hospital in Akim, where medical staff battled to save his life but ultimately pronounced him dead.
The late officer was described by friends and colleagues as soft-spoken, football-loving, and deeply passionate about Arsenal Football Club.
“This came as a huge shock to all of us,” his friend added.
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Cross River State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, went unanswered, and messages sent to her phone remained unacknowledged.
The community and his colleagues at the Akim Police Division are said to be in mourning following the tragic loss.
