BY NGOZI OKORIE
A police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes by suspected hoodlums during the #ENDSARS protest in Nnewi, Anambra State on Thursday.
The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the gruesome act in a statement.
He said three other victims, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
According to him, the hoodlums attacked Nnewi Police Station, set it ablaze and vandalised patrol vehicles.
Mohammed added that five persons were attacked in Onitsha and taken to the hospital for medical attention, noting that three had been confirmed dead while two others were receiving treatment.
Other Police formations that were attacked, according to him, are Nnewi Area Command, 3-3 Division, Ogbunike/ Isiuwulu, Nnobi and Itchy Divisions, including the Peoples Club police post.
He also disclosed that the hoodlums burnt or destroyed other government property such as the High Court Ogidi, Idemili North LG Secretariat “while Zik Statue at DMGS roundabout was vandalised.”
The PPRO said, “On the 21/10/2020 at about 11:30pm, hoodlums in large number, under the guise of “ENDSARS” protesters attacked Nnewi Police Station, set it ablaze and vandalised patrol vehicles and other exhibits but were prevented from accessing the armoury to cart away arm due to strong resistance placed by police men on duty.
“Similarly, on the 22/10/2020, between 3:30am and 5:pm, the hoodlums in large number equally attacked Nnewi Area Command, 3-3 Division, Ogbunike/ Isiuwulu, Nnobi and Itchy Divisions as well as peoples club police post, burnt Police vehicles and set the facilities ablaze, carting away exhibits kept at the Divisions.
“Meanwhile, one police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes while three others sustained various degrees of injuries.The injured police officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention and they are responding to treatment.
“Consequently, seven other police stations namely: CPS/Area Command Onitsha, Ogidi, Awada, Inland Town and B Divisions successfully repelled the attacks and chased the hoodlums away.
“Also, police operatives in collaboration with members of the Communities comprising of youths, vigilante and community leaders at Okpoko, CPS Awka, Oraifite, Otolo, Amichi and Oba vehemently resisted attempt by the hoodlums to attack the police Stations.
“However, five persons were attacked in Onitsha and taken to the hospital for medical attention where three have been confirmed dead by the medical doctor while two others are receiving treatment.”
