Tragedy struck in Calabar, Cross River State, on Tuesday, April 8, when Police Inspector Stephen Enang slumped and died after watching Arsenal defeat Real Madrid 3-0. Enang, an ardent Arsenal supporter, was watching the UEFA Champions League match at a local viewing center on Abang-Asang Street.
According to eyewitnesses, Enang was in high spirits, cheering every goal and jumping up in excitement multiple times. “He was happy, celebrated every Arsenal goal with passion,” a friend recalled. However, after the final whistle, Enang remained seated and was found unresponsive.
Efforts to revive him at the Police Hospital in Akim were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead. Friends and colleagues described Enang as a soft-spoken, football-loving individual who was lively before the incident. “This came as a huge shock to all of us,” a friend added.
Enang, a native of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area, was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way in Calabar. At the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Cross River State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, for an official statement proved unsuccessful.
The incident has left colleagues and friends in shock, mourning the sudden loss of a devoted officer and passionate football fan.