Tensions in Ebonyi as trigger-excited policemen open fire on four civilians

A tragic incident occurred in Ugwuachara, a neighborhood in the capital city of Abakaliki on Wednesday where four civilians were reportedly shot.

The chaos unfolded after a confrontation between a military personnel and a team of mobile crack police officers.

According to eyewitness accounts, the military personnel was riding a motorcycle when he was stopped by the team of police along the road. The officers demanded that he enter their Sienna vehicle, but the military personnel refused.

In an attempt to force him into the van, a violent struggle ensued. During this confrontation, one of the officers allegedly fired a warning shot in an attempt to intimidate the soldier.

Tragically, the gunshot struck four civilians who were nearby, observing the escalating situation.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as the civilians, who were uninvolved in the altercation, became unintended victims of the gunfire. Upon realizing that there were casualties, the police officers reportedly attempted to flee the scene. This act further enraged local residents, who retaliated by throwing stones at the officers. Despite the villagers’ resistance, the officers managed to forcefully take the military personnel into their vehicle and drive off, abandoning his motorcycle at the scene.

At the time of filing this report, the bodies of the casualties were reportedly still at the scene. Witnesses claim that one of the victims was confirmed dead on the spot, while the conditions of the other three remain uncertain. Efforts are ongoing to ascertain the status of the injured civilians.

The incident has left the community in shock and anger, with questions arising about the conduct of the police officers involved. Local residents have called for an immediate investigation to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of the tragic event.

As at the time of filing this report, no official statement from the Ebonyi State Police Command.