One person has been confirmed dead, while three others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries in a clash between police officers and a soldier in Ebonyi.
The Police Commissioner, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, disclosed this in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, on Wednesday.
Ukandu explained that the incident occurred following an altercation between an alleged soldier and a police officer over a rifle.
He assured the public of a thorough investigation, emphasizing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
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He said, “In response to the rising incidents of motorcycle theft and snatching in Abakaliki, officers from the command were conducting a routine patrol on the old Enugu-Abakaliki road near the Ugwuachara area when they stopped an individual riding a motorcycle to request the motorcycle’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.
“Both the police officer and the individual involved in this incident are currently in custody. The police command extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
