Three persons were feared killed in a violent clash involving youths and suspected operatives of the state security outfit, Agunechemba in Ifite Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The crisis which erupted on Thursday night, was allegedly triggered by the death of a young man accused of theft and reportedly beaten to death by members of the security outfit.
Irate youths in the community were said to have carried the corpse of the deceased in protest to the office of the security outfit, where houses were allegedly vandalized and operational vehicle set ablaze.
“The situation later degenerated into a clash between the protesting youths and security operatives, resulting in the alleged death of two additional persons,” the source said.
A member of the Traditional Ruling Council of Ifite Ogwari, who spoke anonymously, expressed regrets over the incident but said community stakeholders and the Town Union leadership had intervened to restore calm.
Reacting to the development, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Bernard Udemezue, described the incident as unfortunate, blaming it on alleged abuse of power by the local security outfit and over-reaction by some youths.
“The incident is an unfortunate one that we never wished for. We are calling for calm so that the appropriate authorities can come in and handle the situation and ensure justice for all concerned,” he said.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, Udemezue regretted that about three persons were reportedly killed in the violence.
“We condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones and pray that God grants them the strength to bear the loss,” he added.
Contacted, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the Command was yet to be officially briefed on the incident.
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