Ebonyi State Police command has confirmed the death of one labourer during a clash that ensued between some policemen and a military personnel in the state.
The ugly incident took place on Wednesday at Ugwuachara axis of Abakaliki the state capital.
No fewer than three persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the violent confrontation.
Confirming the incident, the police image maker, DSP Joshua Ukandu disclosed that the suspected military officer and the particular policeman involved in the incident are already in police custody and would face full wrath of the law after investigations.
The Police Public Relations officer 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.
“Furthermore, we assure the public that a thorough investigation will be carried out, and any person found culpable will face the full extent of the law.”
