KEY POINTS
- Trader allegedly shot during a dispute involving N5,000.
- Police say he was injured while resisting arrest.
- Commissioner orders investigation and promises medical support.
Tension erupted at the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a trader was allegedly shot by a police officer during a confrontation reportedly linked to an alleged N5,000 bribe demand.
The incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked protests among traders and other road users, with witnesses reportedly blocking the busy route in anger over the shooting. The resulting demonstration caused significant traffic congestion around the Head Bridge.
The allegation that the shooting was connected to a N5,000 bribe demand had not been independently verified as of the time of filing the report.
According to sources, the victim was moving pharmaceutical products in a wheelbarrow to a nearby motor park, apparently to waybill the goods to a customer, when he encountered the police officer.
An argument reportedly followed, eventually escalating into a confrontation during which the officer allegedly fired his weapon and injured the trader.
Following the shooting, the police officer was said to have quickly left the scene, further fuelling anger among traders who gathered to protest the incident.
Police Give Different Account of Incident
The Anambra State Police Command offered a different account, saying the shooting occurred during an attempted arrest.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victim was allegedly a suspect who resisted arrest, leading to gunshot injuries.
Ikenga did not confirm the allegation that the confrontation involved a demand for N5,000, but said the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm would be thoroughly investigated.
The state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, personally visited the scene and later went to the hospital to see the victims.
The commissioner assured them of the Command’s support and pledged that their medical expenses would be covered.
He also ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, particularly the circumstances that led to the use of the firearm.
The police said the investigation would determine what actually happened and guide any disciplinary or legal action considered necessary.
The Command appealed to traders and other residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
The commissioner reaffirmed the police Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and adherence to the rule of law.