Police man kill 24 year old man in Anambra
A 24-year-old man, identified only as Ebuka, has been confirmed dead after being shot by a group of police officers along Onitsha/Owerri Road in Anambra State.
According to an X user named Harrison Gwamnishu, who claimed to have detailed knowledge of the situation, Ebuka was shot by the police on Wednesday while traveling on the highway. Gwamnishu reported that Ebuka was promptly taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Gwamnishu further stated that the officers involved in the shooting have since gone into hiding to avoid accountability, and he shared images and videos of the incident on his X page.
He wrote: “Ebuka, a 24-year-old, was allegedly shot and killed today by police officers on Onitsha/Owerri Road. The officers involved are now in hiding. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ebuka was pronounced dead. His body is currently at the mortuary. This is a call to the Inspector General of Police @PoliceNG @Princemoye1 @AnambraPolice to take immediate action and ensure the officers are held accountable.”
In response, Nigeria Police Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi described the incident as tragic and assured that the force would take stringent measures to bring those responsible to justice. Adejobi stated, “This is indeed tragic. The Force Headquarters has directed the Commissioners of Police in Anambra and Imo to locate the officers involved and conduct a thorough investigation. The Force Headquarters will not tolerate such actions and will closely monitor the investigation. May his soul rest in peace, and justice must be served.”
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the police commissioner has ordered the detention of the patrol team members implicated in the shooting. The case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a comprehensive investigation.
The command stated: “The CP has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka. The command urges for calm and assures that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice. Further updates will be provided.”
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police brutality in Nigeria. Last week, students from Ebonyi State University (EBSU) raised alarms about alleged police extortion, harassment, and intimidation in Abakaliki and its environs. They expressed frustration over the police’s failure to uphold their duty to protect citizens, describing their conduct as “worrisome” and “unbecoming.”
Comrade Oshim Tobias Nkwegu, President of the Students’ Union Government at Ebonyi State University, has written a letter to Commissioner of Police Augustine Ogbodo to address these issues.
