The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the death of one labourer following a clash involving policemen and a military officer in the state. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Ugwuachara area of Abakaliki, the state capital.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the confrontation left no fewer than three people with varying degrees of injuries. The violent altercation reportedly unfolded during a routine patrol by police officers.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that both the policeman and the suspected military officer involved in the clash have been apprehended.
He assured that the suspects are already in police custody and would face the full wrath of the law after investigations.
Ukandu provided further details on the circumstances leading to the tragic event. He explained that police officers, responding to increasing cases of motorcycle theft and snatching in Abakaliki, were on a routine patrol along the old Enugu-Abakaliki road near the Ugwuachara area. During the patrol, they stopped a motorcyclist to verify the vehicle’s particulars.
“The individual claimed to be a soldier but was unable to provide identification. As the officers attempted to arrest him for this reason, he resisted and began to grapple with one of the officer’s rifles. This struggle resulted in an accidental discharge of ammunition, which tragically resulted in the death of one man and injuries to three others,” Ukandu said.
The Police Command has assured the public that thorough investigations are underway to ensure justice is served.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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