A 24-year-old man, identified as Ebuka, tragically lost his life after being shot by police officers along the Onitsha/Owerri Road in Anambra State.
Harrison Gwamnishu, a user on X (formerly known as Twitter), shared details of the incident. According to him, Ebuka was shot by police officers on Wednesday while traveling on the highway. Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, Ebuka succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead due to the gunshot wounds. Gwamnishu further stated that the officers responsible for the shooting fled the scene immediately in an attempt to avoid accountability. He also posted images and videos of the incident on his X account.
Gwamnishu wrote, “24-year-old Ebuka was allegedly shot and k!lled today by some police officers along Onitsha/Owerri road. The officers involved are currently in hiding. Ebuka was rushed to the hospital and confirmed dead. His body has been deposited at the mortuary. THIS IS A CALL TO THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE @PoliceNG @Princemoye1 @AnambraPolice to respond to this ASAP! and ensure the officers are brought to justice.”
Reacting to the news, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, expressed his sadness over the incident. He assured the public that steps would be taken to ensure that the perpetrators face justice.
Adejobi said, “This is sad. The Force Headquarters has ordered the CPs of Anambra and Imo to identify the officers involved and conduct a thorough investigation. The FHQ will not tolerate such misconduct. We will closely monitor this case, and the command responsible will provide updates. May his soul rest in peace, and justice must be served.”
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had detained the patrol team involved in the shooting. The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for further investigation.
In a statement, the command said, “The CP has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, and has called for calm. The Command will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted for justice to prevail. Further updates will be communicated.”
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of police brutality in Nigeria. Just last week, students at Ebonyi State University (EBSU) raised concerns over alleged police extortion, harassment, and intimidation in Abakaliki and surrounding areas.
The students emphasized that the actions of the police have become a serious source of distress. They expressed their dismay at how those tasked with protecting citizens are instead causing harm and fear.
In response to these concerns, Comrade Oshim Tobias Nkwegu, President of the Students’ Union Government at EBSU, wrote a formal letter to the Commissioner of Police, Augustine Ogbodo, calling for immediate action to address the students’ grievances.
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