2 policemen detained for allegedly shooting soldier, 3 others in Onitsha

Two policemen, including an Inspector, have been detained for allegedly shooting an Army officer during an argument.

The Inspector was detained at the Central Police Station, Onitsha, while his junior colleague was detained at the military cantonment, Onitsha.

A source said the Army officer, a Lieutenant, was about to board a bus to Borno State at Upper Iweka Motor Park.

The source said trouble started when a police patrol team stormed the park and reportedly demanded to be financially empowered by the management of the park.

Afterwards, they asked the officer to identify himself and produce his ‘pass authority.’

An argument was said to have ensued and the policemen shot the officer. When a mob wanted to lynch them, the policemen began to shoot indiscriminately, and stray bullets hit three people.

others.

aThe source hinted that they were settled with some bottles of beer, which after consuming became intoxicated and as they were about to depart, they saw the soldier dressed in military camouflage uniform and demanded to know who he was to put on the military uniform.

In response, the soldier brought out his identity card, which proved that he is a Lieutenant in the military attached to Borno State, adding that he just visited Onitsha cantonment to see his colleagues.

The presentation of the ID card did not assure the policemen, who allegedly demanded for his ‘pass authority’ to have travelled from Borno State to Anambra State and in the process, a heated argument ensued prompting one of the Policemen to warn him that they will shot him, but the soldier responded “Shoot me if you can” and the Policeman shot him on the leg.

On hearing of the gunshots, sympathizers mobilized themselves into a mob to lynch the Policemen but the Inspector, who was led the police team started shooting indiscriminately, ostensibly to scare the surging crowd and in the process stray bullets, hit three other persons.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Onitsha 302 military commander, Col. Mohammed Bello proved abortive but reliable sources hinted that one of the Policemen was arrested and detained at the Onitsha Army Barracks by the soldiers, who stormed the scene, while the Inspector was allegedly detained at the CPS, Onitsha.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Uche Ezeh, said he was at a burial ceremony and was not handy to get details of the incident.