By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A yet-to-be-identified officer of the recently-launched security operatives in Anambra State, Agụnechemba (popularly known as Operation Udo Ga-Achị) has reportedly shot down a woman in Anambra State while trying to clear a traffic gridlock to make way for their security convoy.
The incident happened on Tuesday evening along the popular and ever-busy Ibeto Junction at Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State.
According to eyewitnesses, road users were trapped down by the usual traffic gridlock that always occurs along the Ibeto Junction axis every morning and evening; and while the road users were patiently following and waiting for the traffic to clear, the operatives Udo Ga-Achị drove down, and also had their convoy trapped there by the gridlock.
Reports have it that the operatives, in their attempts to clear the way for their convoy, started firing gunshots; and in the process, a road user, simply identified as Chiamaka, got hit by bullet, and she slumped immediately. It was gathered that the woman was thereafter confirmed dead by the doctor, as she was dangerously hit by the bullet.
When contacted by this reporter, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, and further affirmed that the victim is dead.
He, however, assured that quick steps and actions have already been initiated by the Command towards identifying the patrol vehicles and the identities of the Operation Udo Ga-Achị team that went to the said area on the said date and time.
“Yes, the Command is aware of it. And we have escalated it to the leadership of the Agụnechemba for them to help us to identify the patrol vehicles that went to Nnewi yesterday, for possible identification of the alleged operative that actually shot the gun,” he said, while also confirming that the victim is dead.
Although, the full identity of the victim is yet to be identified as at the time of filing this report, the report is also corroborated by videos currently trending on social media, showing the dead body of the victim, while other road users were seen bemoaning, condemning, and lamenting over the incident.
Efforts by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, to get the reactions of the Nnewi North Local Government Chairman on the incident, proved abortive, as he insisted he must see the reporter ‘face to face’ before commenting on the issue.
Additionally, attempts by the reporter to get the reactions of the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, proved abortive, as they were yet to respond to their phone calls as at the time of this publication.
Reports have it that the operatives of Agụnechemba had similarly killed another woman in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area of the State, sometime in March, barely two months after their inauguration by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Recall also that the Governor on April 1, inaugurated a supervisory committee to oversee and coordinate the activities and operations of the Agụnechemba, which, he said, would be pivotal in maintaining order and ensuring that the security outfit operates within the ambit of the law.
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