The Abia State Police Command has refuted reported involvement in the death of a civilian truck driver in Aba on Wednesday.
Reports suggested that the shooting involved a confrontation between police patrol teams from the Aba Area Command and another team from Umuahia.
It was alleged that the officers, who operates in commercial buses, were unable to recognize each other before they began firing.
As the gunfire erupted, shop owners near the Alaoji motor spare parts market and passers-by on the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway fled for cover to avoid stray bullets. Unfortunately, the truck driver caught in the crossfire was killed.
However, in a statement released to Newsmen on Friday, the Abia State Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said there is no credible evidence linking the police to the incident.
“In response to the shooting incident and the civilian fatality near the Flyover at Alaoji Area in Aba, the Command wishes to clarify:
“From our preliminary investigation, there is no credible evidence to suggest that police officers mistook themselves for members of IPOB and fired at each other.
“What we can confirm is that there was a shooting in that area, which resulted in the death of a civilian. The identity of those responsible for the shooting and their motives are still under investigation.
“However, we encourage anyone with useful information regarding the incident to report at the nearest police station.”
The Police Spokesperson also assured residents of Abia that they are committed to effectively safeguarding their lives and property.
Reports indicate that once the suspects realized they were all police officers, an argument broke out among them. They reportedly blamed each other and refused to take responsibility for the driver's death.
Recall that, along same Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, eleven (11) people died and eight (8) others got injured during a crash which occured at the Arongwa Village axis of the expressway opposite Arab Contractors Construction Company on Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.
"The injured individuals were transported to Ronald Hospital in Umuikaa and Living Word Hospital in Aba, while the deceased were taken to Alanwemadu Mortuary and Peace Mortuary, both in Aba."
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