Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Police in Anambra State have denied reports linking security agents to a homicide in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
Reports trending in different media platforms alleged that security agents from Department of State Services (DSS) were responsible for the murder of a middle-aged man in Ogidi town on Thursday.
It was gathered that the man (victim) whose wife was just delivered of a baby was preparing to go see his wife and new baby in the hospital, when he was shot, after a suspect pursued by security agents ran into his compound.
It was also gathered that the killing sparked off series of protests in the town as youths of Ogidi community took the corpse to the local government headquarters, demanding to see the local government chairman.
Reacting on the incident Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said the deceased was shot by a member of the Vigilante group in the area and not DSS nor Police in the state.
He said that the assailant has been disarmed and arrested for interrogation and comprehensive investigation by the Police.
“Attention of Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading story in the Punch Newspaper Online and other mediums purporting that security agents from Department of State Services were responsible for the murder of a middle aged man in Ogidi on 16th March, 2023.
“The Command owes a duty to the public to correct the erroneous report.
“The deceased was shot by a member of the Vigilante group in the area. On receiving the report at about 0200hrs, the Police moved in swiftly and effected arrest of the assailant who was found with a Pump Action Gun.
“The assailant was disarmed and taken into custody for interrogation and comprehensive investigation.”
Commiserating with the deceased’s family, CP Election for Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, assured the public that investigation into the homicide will be swift and thorough and the assailant arraigned in court to face justice.
He urged the people to remain law abiding as the Police in the command will always protect their fundamental human rights.
