A scuffle between a soldier and policemen in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, has led to the death of one person and left three others injured. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Ugwuachara, located in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, identified as a laborer, was fatally struck by a stray bullet during the altercation. Reports indicate that the incident unfolded when the policemen, conducting a stop-and-search operation, stopped the soldier, who was in mufti and riding a motorcycle.
Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the incident, explaining the circumstances that led to the fatality. “The policemen were on stop-and-search patrol and stopped the soldier to search him. A scuffle ensued during which the soldier attempted to disarm one of the policemen. In the process, the bullet went off and hit a bystander who was there,” she said.
Uche-Anya clarified that the death was not due to intentional gunfire by the policemen. “It was not as if the policemen opened fire on bystanders. During the scuffle, the bullet accidentally discharged, hitting the bystander,” she explained.
The soldier, who is said to be attached to Operation Kachayanma in Katsina but was on leave in Ebonyi State, is now in police custody alongside the involved officers.
The commissioner further disclosed, “One person died, and three others were injured. However, those injured are responding to treatment in the hospital. We have confirmed the identity of the soldier. He is serving in Kaduna. Both the soldier and the policemen involved are in our custody.”
