Awka – Anambra State Civil Society Network (ACSONET) a platform for Citizens and Non-State Actors in the State, has condemned in strongest terms, the avoidable killing on Tuesday night, of a commercial motorcyclist in Igbo- Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, by a Policeman.
The incident had resulted in the burning of two police stations in Anambra- Ekwulobia and Igboukwu police stations even as tension has increased in the area.
ACSONET Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, who spoke to TNC correspondent in Awka, while describing the act as unjustifiable, called on those affected and other law abiding citizens to be calm and follow due process in addressing the unfortunate and regrettable incident.
“We note with shock and discomfiture, the avoidable killing of a commercial motorcyclist in Igboukwu, by a policeman, who was purportedly enforcing the State government’s order banning commercial motorcycles from operating at certain hours of the night.
“From intelligence reports by our reliable sources, an argument ensued between some men of the Nigeria Police and the motorcyclist, resulting in the shooting to death of the later.
“We are of the opinion that this condemnable action was avoidable and therefore absolutely unjustifiable,” he said.
He noted that as defenders of citizens’ rights, the ACSONET is at alert and following up the process with a view to ensure that justice is served, calling on citizens to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.
“Reported incidents of arson and sundry violence are therefore, uncalled for, and should be discouraged in all ramifications, as our State and citizens are known for law and order, and resilience. Finally, we implore the State Government, the Nigeria Police and other relevant stakeholders to walk the talk by ensuring speedy investigation of the incidents and adequate remediation, going forward,” Azor said.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Government has said it will prosecute the officer involved in the killing of the motorcycle rider at Igboukwu on Tuesday night, once the ongoing investigation into the incident is completed.
A statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightentenment, C-Don Adinuba on behalf of the state government, said the prosecution will serve as a deterrent to law enforcement agents who misuse firearms.
The State Government maintained that it is fully committed to human rights and upholding the dignity of the human person even as it has gone out of its way to encourage all law enforcement officers in the state to show restraint in gun handling and display courtesy in the discharge of their duties.
“As a Government, we have over the years worked harmoniously with different security and intelligence agencies in the state, and the collaboration accounts for Anambra’s status as Nigeria’s safest state and the most peaceful part of West Africa.
“ On hearing the news of the incident in Igbo Ukwu, Governor Willie Obiano directed the Chairman of the Transition Committee of the Aguata Local Government Area to immediately visit the family of the dead commercial cyclist and express the government’s condolences. Governor Obiano has also directed the Transition Committee Chairman to work out the burial expenses of the motorcyclist and send him the bill as soon as possible, so that he will write off the cost,” the statement revealed.
