By Charles Maduka
A police inspector attached to the 29 Police Mobile Force in Awka has been shot dead during a stop-and-search operation along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway near Danaks Filling Station in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a patrol team intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly driving against traffic. Eyewitnesses said the officers flagged down the vehicle for a routine check, not knowing it was occupied by operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services.
Tensions reportedly escalated when the occupants of the unmarked vehicle refused to comply and allegedly opened fire on the police team, fatally wounding one of the officers in the lower rib. The victim was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala and later referred to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he was confirmed dead.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate. He explained that the deceased was mistakenly shot by members of a “friendly force” and noted that an investigation has been launched by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka.
He appealed for calm and assured the public that measures are in place to uncover the circumstances of the incident and prevent future occurrences. The body of the slain officer has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Leave a Reply