Pandemonium broke out in the commercial town of Onitsha midday on Wednesday as police officer allegedly shot a businessman resulting in serious gunshots injury.
The Police officer was said to have shot the businessman for his failure to
give him the five thousand Naira he demanded.
Sources claimed that the businessman who was doing his business at Ogbogu was carrying his goods for a waybill before the unfortunate incident.
The development led to serious protest in the business areas of the town paralysing commercial activities especially at Bridge Head area.
A businessman who spoke with Authority Newspaper on the grounds of anonymity said it has become habitual for police operatives in Onitsha to extort money from traders who are struggling to make ends meet.
“It has happened again, a happy triggered policeman has shot one of us just because he refused to pay the five thousand Naira bribe he demanded. This is rather unfortunate, police operatives are not anybody’s friend in Onitsha. This madness of police brutality must stop,” he said angrily.
In a sharp reaction to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) said that the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama CP) has addressed the crowd in Onitsha over the incident.
Ikenga who claimed that the incident arose from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
“The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, we he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
“CP Nnanna further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm. He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
“The Commissioner of Police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.” Ikenga said.