Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, has vowed to prosecute the police officer who killed a motorcyclist at Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata council area to serve as a deterrent to law enforcement agents who misuse firearms.
A police officer said to be enforcing the government’s order banning motorcycles from operating from 5am to 9pm after an argument ensued shot dead a motorcyclist, infuriating mob to set some police stations ablaze at Igboukwu, Ekwulobia and Oko.
Obiano, in a statement signed by the commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, directed the Chairman of the Transition Committee of the Aguata local government area to immediately visit family of the dead commercial cyclist and express the government’s condolences while the government take up burial expenses of the deceased.
He appealed for calm, asking residence of the state not to take the law into their hands as according to him, burning of police stations, vehicles and destruction of property would not resolve the issue.
“The state government condemns in strong terms the action of the policemen, whether it was intentional or not. There is no justification for the law enforcement officer to cock his gun in the first place. The government is satisfied that the Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang, on getting the report criticised the unprofessional behavior of the officer and ordered his immediate arrest and detention,” he noted.
Also, the Anambra State Civil Society Network (ACSONET), a platform for citizens and non-state actors, in a letter signed by its Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, and the Secretary, Comrade Kenechukwu Makwudo, has condemned in strongest terms, the killing, describing it as avoidable and unjustifiable.
ACSONET implored the state government, the Nigeria Police and other relevant stakeholders to walk the talk by ensuring speedy investigation of the incidents and adequate remediations, going forward.
“We, as defenders of citizens’ rights are at alert and following up the process with a view to ensure that justice is served. We therefore, enjoin the 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,” it added.