A violent clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Amaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has claimed the life of a policeman identified as Shedrack, with several others injured.
The confrontation reportedly erupted on August 27 when three Hilux vans carrying about 30 policemen allegedly intercepted an NSCDC vehicle transporting mining equipment to a site in Amaeze.
It was gathered that the situation escalated into sporadic gunfire after the policemen allegedly tried to disarm a civil defence officer.
In the confusion, a police officer, identified as Shedrack, was alleged to have been killed by a stray bullet as his colleagues attempted to disarm an NSCDC officer.
His body has been deposited at a mortuary, while the injured officers are receiving medical treatment. Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday.
Its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that on August 27, operatives of the Command, acting on a petition, visited a quarry facility in Ivo LGA to arrest certain suspects.
He noted that the suspects voluntarily surrendered, and soldiers providing security at the site authorized the police to proceed.
However, the NSCDC team leader allegedly interfered, blocking the police vehicle and instructing his men to prevent the suspects from leaving.
The police confirmed that one NSCDC officer has been arrested over the obstruction and the incident leading to the policeman’s death.
The statement read, “Despite appeals by the suspects themselves, who urged the NSCDC personnel to allow them follow the police to answer the petition, the NSCDC officer refused and forcefully attempted to seize a rifle from one of the policemen. In the ensuing struggle, he discharged the firearm, fatally wounding a Police officer.
“The injured officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The NSCDC officer responsible has since been arrested, while a full-scale investigation into the incident is ongoing.”
“The Ebonyi State Command reiterates that no individual has the authority to obstruct the Nigeria Police Force in the lawful discharge of its constitutional mandate,” Ukandu added.
