Civil Society Demands Investigation Into Anambra Shooting

The Anambra State Civil Society Network (ACSONET), Thursday, condemned the killing of a commercial motorcyclist by a policeman at Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The group, in a release signed by its chairman, Prince Chris Azor, and made available to THE WHISTLER in Awka, said the killing of the motorcyclist by a policeman who was ‘purportedly enforcing the state government’s order banning commercial motorcycles from operating at certain hours of the night’ was unjustified.

Azor said, “From intelligence reports, an argument ensued between some men of the Nigeria Police and the motorcyclist, resulting in the shooting to death of the latter. We are of the opinion that this condemnable action was avoidable, and therefore absolutely unjustifiable. However, we call on those affected and other law-abiding citizens to be calm and follow the due process in addressing this unfortunate and regrettable incident.

“We, as defenders of citizens’ rights, are at alert and following up the process with a view to ensure that justice is served. We, therefore, enjoin the citizens to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands. Reported incidents of arson and sundry violence are, therefore, uncalled for, and should be discouraged in all ramifications, as our state and citizens are known for law and order, and resilience.”

The group commended the Anambra State government for the steps taken so far towards ensuring that justice was done, and urged the Obiano administration as well as the Nigeria Police and other relevant stakeholders ‘to walk the talk by ensuring speedy investigation of the incidents’.

THE WHISTLER reports that the state government, through its information commissioner, Mr C Don Adinuba, has promised to ‘prosecute the officer once the ongoing investigation into the incident is completed to serve as a deterrent to law enforcement agents who misuse firearms’.

The state police commissioner, Mr John Abang, also condemned the ‘unprofessional behaviour of the officer, and ordered his immediate arrest and detention’.

Recall that the shooting on Tuesday triggered a protest by the people of the area, leading to the burning of a police station at Igboukwu.