Two shot during attempted arrest in Anambra, police launch investigation
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Two people were shot during an attempted arrest by police in Onitsha, Anambra State, causing panic and traffic disruption.
- Eyewitnesses reported a confrontation between police and suspects who resisted arrest, leading to the shooting.
- The Commissioner of Police visited the victims, promising support and coverage of medical expenses, and ordered an investigation.
Two individuals sustained gunshot wounds on Wednesday during a police attempt to arrest suspects at the River Niger Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State. The incident caused significant panic and disrupted traffic on the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway.
The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that a confrontation erupted between security operatives and some individuals who resisted questioning and arrest. The suspects allegedly resisted, leading to police firing shots. The ensuing chaos caused people to flee for safety, and the area remained in disarray until additional police teams arrived. The injured were subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital.
The immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
Confirming the event, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, stated that the suspects resisted arrest, resulting in their injuries. The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, visited the scene and addressed the crowd. He later visited the victims in the hospital, assuring them of the command's support and pledging to cover their medical expenses. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the discharge of firearms, with the CP emphasizing that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. He urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
The CP further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.