Youths of Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Saturday razed a police station and patrol vehicle over the killing of 18-year-old Friday Arunsi by a trigger- happy security personnel.
This comes barely 24hrs after a policeman on escort duty from one of the neighboring states killed a resident of Aba on the Uratta axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The protesting members of the community set ablaze a Police Patrol Van belonging to the Ohafia Division, and also set ablaze the Ohafia Police Division building and released all the detained suspects in the police cell.
The Abia State Government has expressed shock over the extrajudicial killing of yet another citizen by security agents stationed in Ohafia local government area of the State.
This was contained in a press statement by the State Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
The Governor appealed to those involved to remain calm and allow a proper investigation to be carried out, so as to bring those involved to justice.
The statement reads partly, “Abia State Government is shocked to receive the news of yet another alleged extra-judicial killing of a citizen by security agents, this time in Ohafia. We are also receiving reports of ongoing skirmishes involving community youth and security agents.
“The Governor appeals to all parties to ensure immediate restoration of calm to allow a proper investigation to be conducted with a view to bringing those who are culpable to justice.
“The Transition Council Chairman of Ohafia LGA, Prince Fred Idika, has been directed to immediately meet with the family of the bereaved and others affected by the unfortunate skirmish to express the sincere condolences of the Government of Abia State and reassure them that everything possible will be done to ensure that justice is served.
“We wish to reiterate that we will not accept the unwarranted killing of any citizen or resident of the state and demand once more that security agents enforcing the COVID-19 necessitated lockdown in the state do so within the operating guidelines for maintenance of internal security as issued to all arm bearing forces in Nigeria. The reckless killing of unarmed civilians will not be tolerated by this administration and we call for an end to it forthwith.
“Once again, we urge the youths in Ohafia in particular and the State, in general, to be calm as we shall leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances that led to this latest unfortunate incident and ensure justice is served”.
